HyCuTIPI Calls for Clarity on Reported Police Raid at FUOYE VC’s Residence

The Hybrid Culture, Technology and Innovation Promotion Initiative (HyCuTIPI) has called for official clarification over the reported police operation at the residence of the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole.

HyCuTIPI made the call in a statement cosigned on Friday by its President and Executive Secretary, Olutoyin Oloniteru.

The organisation said the reported operation took place at about 6:10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30, when some armed police officers allegedly arrived at Ogunwole’s official residence in Ado-Ekiti.

It added that the development reportedly attracted staff and students of the university to the residence.

According to HyCuTIPI, Ogunwole said the officers informed him that they had a warrant and that the matter was connected to a petition involving individuals associated with the university.

Those reportedly linked to the petition include Ogunwole’s predecessor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, and a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Kehinde Adetola.

The group said reports also identified the officers as personnel of the Lagos State Police Command and indicated that they intended to take the vice-chancellor from Oye-Ekiti to Lagos.

HyCuTIPI, however, stressed that the details had not been formally confirmed or explained by the Nigeria Police Force.

It therefore urged the public to treat the reported accounts as such pending an official clarification from the appropriate authorities.

The organisation acknowledged the responsibility of the police to receive and investigate petitions and allegations in accordance with the law.

It, however, noted that a petition does not by itself establish wrongdoing and urged that any investigation be handled cautiously, objectively and transparently.

“Any investigation should be conducted cautiously, objectively and transparently, with relevant parties given an appropriate opportunity to respond,” the group said.

HyCuTIPI added that Ogunwole had indicated his willingness to cooperate with any legitimate investigation.

It consequently called on the Inspector-General of Police to provide an official account of the reported operation and clarify the circumstances surrounding it.

Specifically, the organisation asked the police to disclose the formation responsible for the operation and the authority under which the reported action was carried out.

It also sought clarification on whether a warrant of arrest was issued, who issued it and the scope of the warrant.

HyCuTIPI further requested information on the nature and status of the petition reportedly connected with the matter.

It also asked the police to explain the involvement of officers from outside Ekiti State, if the reported deployment is confirmed.

The organisation said an authoritative explanation would help distinguish established facts from competing accounts while reducing speculation and tension.

It also warned against allowing the unresolved matter to unnecessarily affect the reputation and academic activities of FUOYE.

“Federal University, Oye-Ekiti is an important national institution whose reputation must be preserved and academic activities should not be unnecessarily disrupted by an unresolved administrative or investigative matter,” it said.

HyCuTIPI urged all parties to exercise restraint and allow the appropriate Federal Government authorities to establish the facts.

It also appealed to the media and the public to distinguish between confirmed information, statements attributed to individuals and allegations yet to be established.

The organisation expressed confidence that any legitimate concerns arising from the reported petition could be addressed through the appropriate channels.

It further called for Ogunwole to be afforded the same legal protections and standards of fair treatment applicable to every Nigerian while the matter is being addressed.

HyCuTIPI reaffirmed its commitment to institutional integrity, responsible leadership, academic freedom and respect for the rule of law.