Several students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, have reportedly fled the campus following a recent raid by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The mass exodus comes in the wake of an EFCC sting operation at various locations in Ekpoma on February 15, 2025, sparking widespread fear among students.
A student who identified herself as Chioma described the atmosphere on campus as unusually quiet, with a significant reduction in both human and vehicular movement.
“Since the raid, the streets are virtually empty. During lecture hours, the majority of students seen around are those residing in the school hostels,” she said.
The anti-graft agency reportedly targeted student-populated areas such as Ihimudumu, Poultry, and G1 and G2 streets during the operation.
There are conflicting accounts regarding the motive behind the raid. One source claimed it was linked to the activities of a fraud syndicate accused of defrauding unsuspecting victims of ₦1.4 billion.
Another source suggested that EFCC operatives became suspicious after a viral video surfaced online showing students celebrating their final-year exams in a lavish display.
The footage, recorded on January 29, 2025, captured students in an exotic motorcade, blaring sirens, spraying money, and blocking access roads leading in and out of AAU.
The university management had previously condemned the extravagant celebrations, warning against such behaviour. Following the incident, it nullified all final-year examinations written on that day and rescheduled them.
In an update via its official X platform, the EFCC confirmed the arrest of 47 suspected internet fraudsters during the operation.
“Items recovered from the suspects include 14 exotic cars, laptops, and mobile phones,” the commission stated.
It added that those arrested had provided useful information and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
