The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has backed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in its fight against financial crimes but cautioned the anti-graft agency against harassment, intimidation and other forms of abuse during its operations.
The association said its support for the commission’s mandate to investigate, prevent and prosecute financial crimes did not excuse any conduct that violated the law or undermined the rights, safety and dignity of Nigerian students.
The Chief of Staff to the NANS President, Comrade Adegoke Ademola, stated this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.
NANS maintained that no Nigerian, regardless of status or position, should be above the law. It added that a Nigeria free from financial crimes would strengthen public institutions and boost citizens’ confidence in the system.
However, the association warned that the lawful exercise of enforcement powers must not become a source of fear or intimidation for students.
It stressed that it neither opposed the EFCC’s activities nor condoned financial crimes in any form, insisting that anti-graft operations must be conducted within the bounds of the law.
The statement followed the EFCC’s operations in the early hours of Thursday in Akure, Ondo State. However, NANS did not provide further details about the operation, identify those affected or specify any alleged misconduct.
Describing itself as a stakeholder in nation-building, the association reiterated its opposition to fraud and other acts capable of undermining the country’s integrity.
It nevertheless warned against any attempt to use the fight against financial crimes to justify unlawful treatment of students.
“NANS, however, opposes any form of illegal abuse, harassment, intimidation, or operation that makes our students feel unsafe or threatened,” the statement said.
While acknowledging the legitimate responsibilities of security agencies, the association stressed that such duties must be performed in accordance with the law, with due regard for the safety and dignity of Nigerian students.
