Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have allegedly harassed teachers and students of Goodwill Private Schools in Ikorodu, Lagos State, at gunpoint.
According to SaharaReporters, the incident occurred on February 27 and 28, 2025, when EFCC operatives unexpectedly arrived at the school.
Sources within the school reported that about 16 EFCC operatives disrupted academic activities and marked the school building with the words: “Restrain Order, EFCC, Keep Off – 27/2/25.”
The situation escalated on February 28, 2025, when the operatives returned, appearing more aggressive. They allegedly forced secondary school pupils to move to the primary school section and held them in the assembly hall.
“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,” a source said.
The Acting Vice Principal, Mr. Olalekan Adewale, described the terrifying experience, stating that the sight of gun-wielding EFCC officers left many pupils in shock, with one student 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.”
The student who vomited was reportedly taken to the hospital.
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This incident unfolded despite an ongoing legal case, Suit No. FHC/L/MISC/702/2024, between Pastor Sunday Omoniyi Enikuomehin & 1 OR vs. EFCC, currently pending before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The case was last heard on February 5, 2025, before Justice A. O. Owoeye, with EFCC’s legal representative, Hannatu Umar Kofarnaisa, Esq.
A petition by Benson Enikuomehin & Co. (Shalom Chambers) obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday claimed that the EFCC had made multiple suspicious visits to the school, attempting to serve documents.
According to the petition: “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.”
The petition further stated that Dr. Benson Enikuomehin argued against EFCC interfering with the property while the case was still pending. The court assured that no actions would take place, with the EFCC’s legal counsel, Hannatu Umar Kofarnaisa, agreeing not to act until the matter was heard.
However, the petition continued: “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 petition emphasized that “The EFCC’s actions on February 27, 2025, violate the undertaking given by Hannatu Umar Kofarnaisa, Esq., before the court.”
It added: “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.”
The petition urged the court to expedite the hearing scheduled for April 7, 2025.
The conflict surrounding Goodwill Private Schools stems from a financial dispute involving its proprietor, Pastor Omoniyi Enikuomehin, and First City Monument Bank (FCMB).
In response, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale denied allegations of forceful entry, telling SaharaReporters on Monday that their visit was routine and aimed at securing the property, which he described as proceeds of crime.
He stated: “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 to inspect it, as the case is still under investigation.”
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