Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been accused of harassing teachers and students of Goodwill Private Schools in Ikorodu, Lagos State, during a controversial enforcement action.
According to SaharaReporters, the incident occurred on February 27 and 28, 2025, when about 16 EFCC operatives stormed the school premises unannounced. The officers allegedly disrupted academic activities and marked the school building with the inscription: “Restrain Order, EFCC, Keep Off – 27/2/25.”
The situation reportedly escalated the following day when EFCC operatives returned with increased aggression. A school source revealed that secondary school pupils were forced to relocate to the primary school section and were confined to the assembly hall.
“The EFCC agents informed staff and students that the commission had taken over the school based on a final forfeiture order issued through an ex parte ruling in January 2025,” the source said.
Acting Vice Principal, Mr. Olalekan Adewale, described the experience as traumatic for students and staff. “The sight of armed EFCC officers left many pupils in shock. One student even vomited out of fear,” he recounted.
He further alleged that EFCC operatives threatened to arrest him. “They initially insisted on taking me with them, but when teachers and students expressed their willingness to follow, they changed their minds. It was a humiliating experience,” he added.
The incident is linked to an ongoing legal battle between the school’s proprietor, Pastor Omoniyi Enikuomehin, and First City Monument Bank (FCMB). The case, Suit No. FHC/L/MISC/702/2024, is currently before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
According to a petition from Benson Enikuomehin & Co. (Shalom Chambers) obtained by SaharaReporters, the EFCC had previously given assurances in court that no action would be taken against the property while the case was pending.
However, the petition alleges that EFCC operatives continued making unauthorized visits to the school at odd hours, attempting to serve documents and, ultimately, forcibly entering the premises on February 27, causing panic among students, staff, and local residents.
The petition reads:
“The EFCC’s actions directly violate the assurances given in court by their legal representative, Hannatu Umar Kofarnaisa, Esq. This suggests an attempt to pressure the court into accepting a predetermined outcome.”
It further calls for an expedited hearing of the case to prevent further disruptions.
When contacted, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale denied allegations of harassment, insisting that the visit was routine and did not require prior notice.
“The property in question is considered proceeds of crime. Our officers were merely securing it as part of an ongoing investigation, not invading the school,” he stated.
The controversy surrounding Goodwill Private Schools highlights concerns over law enforcement conduct and the impact of such interventions on educational institutions. The legal battle is set to continue, with the next court hearing scheduled for April 7, 2025.
