Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have allegedly harassed teachers and pupils of Goodwill Private Schools in Ikorodu, Lagos State, at gunpoint.
According to SaharaReporters, the incident took place on February 27 and 28, 2025, when EFCC operatives stormed the school premises.
Sources within the school revealed that about 16 EFCC operatives arrived unannounced, disrupted academic activities, and began marking the school building with the inscription: “Restrain Order, EFCC, Keep Off – 27/2/25.”
“The situation escalated on February 28, 2025, when EFCC operatives returned, more aggressive than before. They forced secondary school pupils to relocate to the primary school section and held them in the assembly hall,” one of the sources said.
“The EFCC agents informed staff and students that the commission had taken over the school following a final forfeiture order obtained via an ex parte ruling in January 2025.”
Mr. Olalekan Adewale, the Acting Vice Principal, recounted the terrifying experience, stating that the sight of the gun-wielding EFCC officers left many pupils in shock, with one reportedly vomiting out of fear.
“The EFCC also threatened to arrest me,” he said. “But when teachers and students insisted on following me to their office in Lagos Island, they changed their minds. It was an embarrassing and traumatic experience for everyone.”
He said the student had to be taken to the hospital.
The development comes despite an ongoing legal case, Suit No. FHC/L/MISC/702/2024, between Pastor Sunday Omoniyi Enikuomehin & 1 OR vs. EFCC, currently before the Federal High Court, Lagos.
The matter was last heard on February 5, 2025, before Justice A. O. Owoeye, with the EFCC represented by Hannatu Umar Kofarnaisa, Esq., according to a petition signed by Benson Enikuomehin & Co. (Shalom Chambers) and obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday.
The petition claimed that the EFCC had made multiple visits to Goodwill Private Schools under suspicious circumstances, allegedly attempting to serve documents.
It further stated that tensions heightened when operatives, accompanied by armed personnel, stormed the school, causing panic among students, staff, and local residents.
The petition reads: “The above-mentioned suit came before His Lordship, Hon. Justice A. O. Owoeye, on February 5, 2025, in which Dr. Benson Enikuomehin represented the parties whose interests are affected in the suit. Hannatu Umar Kofarnaisa, Esq., represented the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
“Dr. Benson Enikuomehin argued that the EFCC might attempt to interfere with the property while the case was still pending before the court. The court assured that such actions would not take place, particularly since the EFCC was represented in court by Hannatu Umar Kofarnaisa, Esq.
“Hannatu Umar Kofarnaisa, Esq., concurred with the court that the EFCC would not take any action regarding the property until the matter was heard. She then requested a long adjournment, and the case was scheduled for April 7, 2025.
“However, as anticipated, the EFCC has continued visiting Goodwill Private Schools’ property in Ikorodu at odd hours, attempting to serve a purported document. The situation escalated when, on February 27, 2025, the EFCC invaded the school with armed men while students were in their classrooms. This led to widespread panic and the disruption of academic activities, affecting not only the school but also the entire neighborhood.
“The EFCC’s actions on February 27, 2025, violate the undertaking given by Hannatu Umar Kofarnaisa, Esq., before the court.
“We strongly believe that the EFCC is not above the law and should not take matters into its own hands while the case is still pending before the Honourable Court. By acting in this manner, the EFCC appears intent on forcing a fait accompli on the court before the next hearing. This action indicates a disregard for the rule of law and an attempt to use the court to justify its agenda.
“In light of these events, we respectfully request the Honourable Court to expedite the hearing of this matter.”
The controversy surrounding Goodwill Private Schools stems from a financial dispute involving its proprietor, Pastor Omoniyi Enikuomehin, and First City Monument Bank (FCMB).
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, while speaking with SaharaReporters on Monday, denied that the operatives of the agency forcefully entered the school.
He stated that no prior notice was necessary for their visit, as it was a routine procedure to prevent tampering with the property, which he described as proceeds of crime.
“The visit was routine to secure the property and not an invasion. The property is from proceeds of crime, and our officers went there just inspect it, as the case is still under investigation,” he said.
Source: SaharaReporters