Goodwill Private Schools Limited Invasion and Harassment by EFCC Operatives in Lagos: Impact on Proprietor, Principal, Staff, and Students

Goodwill Private Schools Limited Invasion and Harassment by EFCC Operatives in Lagos: Impact on Proprietor, Principal, Staff, and Students

Lagos, Nigeria – June 28, 2024

Goodwill Private Schools Limited, a long-standing educational institution located in Ikorodu, Lagos, has been at the center of a controversial investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The school, renowned for its high moral and educational standards for over 30 years, is facing serious disruptions to its operations and reputation due to the actions of EFCC operatives from their Lagos office.

**Background and Initial Incident**

On February 8, 2024, the EFCC's Lagos office issued a letter to the proprietor of Goodwill Private School, requesting his presence for an investigation related to alleged fraud. The proprietor, accompanied by legal counsel, complied with the summons on February 14, 2024. However, the meeting turned hostile as the EFCC officers refused to disclose the petition against the school, coercing the proprietor and threatening detention.

**Disputed Credit Facility with FCMB**

The investigation centered around a credit facility granted to the school by First City Monument Bank (FCMB) in 2013. The EFCC claimed the school was sold by FCMB to a third party, demanding the immediate evacuation of the school by its staff and students. Despite presenting documentation of an ongoing contractual relationship with FCMB, and negotiations to resolve the credit facility, the EFCC continued its aggressive actions.

**Subsequent Raids and Harassment**

The situation escalated on May 17, 2024, when EFCC operatives invaded the school, disrupting ongoing external examinations. Armed with policemen, they caused widespread panic and defaced the school property with inscriptions warning of an EFCC investigation.

Further aggravation occurred on June 24, 2024, when the EFCC forcibly detained the principal, Mrs. Olufemi-King, Saidat Iyabode Abosede, in another raid during the National Examination Council (NECO) exams, again causing significant distress to students and staff.

**Meeting with EFCC and Findings**

A subsequent meeting held on June 25, 2024, revealed that no petition was filed against Goodwill Private School. Instead, the issue stemmed from a complaint by a woman against FCMB regarding the sale of the school property. It was confirmed that FCMB had not called in the loan or initiated any sale.

**Demands for Redress**

In light of these events, the legal representatives of Goodwill Private School demand the following from the EFCC:

1. An unqualified letter of apology addressed to Goodwill Private School through their law firm within seven days.

2. Full-page publication of the apology in three national newspapers: The Punch, The Nation, and The Guardian.

3. A two-week televised apology on three television stations: National Television Authority (NTA), Channels Television, and Arise Television.

4. The removal of defamatory inscriptions from the school walls by EFCC officers.

5. Monetary compensation of N2,000,000,000.00 (Two Billion Naira) to the school.

Conclusion

The school's legal counsel emphasizes the need for reason and fairness in handling the matter, urging the EFCC to rectify the situation promptly to avoid further legal actions.

For further information, please contact:

Benson Enikuomehin & Co

Principal Counsel: Otunba (Dr.) Benson Enikuomehin, FCPA**