By Ayodele Oni
Following allegations of maltreatment and extortion against some Ekiti State Government officials by the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS), the state Government has promised to look into issues raised.
The incident happened on Saturday during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in the state when some students of tbe Federal University, Oye, (( FUOYE) were traveling in a chartered bus.
According to NANS statement, “the students were travelling in an 18-passenger bus when they were intercepted and arrested by environmental health officials.
“The students allege that they were subsequently taken before what they understood to be a magistrate court sitting within the Federal High Court premises in Ado-Ekiti, where they were informed that each student must pay a fine of ₦5,000 or face one month imprisonment.
“The students further allege that after explaining that they could not afford the payment, they were threatened with immediate imprisonment and compelled to make payments of ₦5,000 each into an Opay account reportedly provided by one of the officials involved.”
NANS demanded among others: “An immediate and independent investigation by the Ekiti State Government into the circumstances surrounding the arrest, prosecution, and collection of money from the affected students.
“A thorough investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the Opay account allegedly used to receive these payments, including the ownership of the account, the flow of funds, and whether similar collections have been made from members of the public.
“An investigation into the conduct of all officials of the Ekiti State Ministry of Environment and the Ekiti State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation involved in the incident.
“Clarification from the appropriate judicial authorities regarding the proceedings the students were subjected to and whether all legal procedures were complied with.”
Reacting on Sunday, Ekiti state government, through the commissioner for information, Taiwo Olatubosun, assured that all concerned that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be comprehensively reviewed to establish the facts.
“The review will, among other things:
ascertain whether all enforcement procedures were carried out strictly in accordance with the law; verify the process through which the court-imposed fines were paid; and investigate allegations regarding payments allegedly made into a private bank account.”
It will also “determine whether any officer acted outside the scope of his or her lawful authority; and recommend appropriate administrative or legal action where any wrongdoing is established.
“Government wishes to assure the public that no individual will be shielded from accountability if found to have acted improperly. Equally, no public officer should be condemned solely on the basis of allegations until all the facts have been established.
“The Government also reiterates that the monthly environmental sanitation exercise remains an important public health initiative backed by the extant laws of Ekiti State.
“Compliance with the restriction order is expected of all residents and visitors alike, while enforcement officers are equally expected to discharge their responsibilities professionally, courteously and strictly within the confines of the law.
“The Ekiti State Government therefore appeals to all concerned parties to remain calm, refrain from speculative or inflammatory statements, and allow the review process to proceed without prejudice.
“The Government remains committed to justice, transparency, accountability and the protection of the rights of every resident, while ensuring that laws enacted in the public interest are enforced fairly, professionally and in accordance with due process.”
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