EKITI GOVERNMENT CALLS FOR CALM OVER ALLEGATIONS ARISING FROM ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION ENFORCEMENT.

EKITI GOVERNMENT CALLS FOR CALM OVER ALLEGATIONS ARISING FROM ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION ENFORCEMENT.

...Promises Review to Establish the Facts.

The Ekiti State Government has taken note of the various reports, petitions and public statements issued by student bodies and other stakeholders regarding the arrest, prosecution and alleged extortion of some students of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise held on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

Government recognises the public interest generated by the matter and appreciates the concerns expressed by the students, their representatives and members of the public.

While preliminary reports available to Government indicate that the affected persons were apprehended for violating the restriction of movement in force during the environmental sanitation exercise and were subsequently taken before a competent Magistrate Court, where the statutory fines prescribed by law were imposed, Government also notes that serious allegations have been made regarding the manner in which the enforcement exercise was carried out, particularly claims relating to the collection of money and the conduct of some officials.

The Ekiti State Government treats every allegation of misconduct by public officials with the seriousness it deserves. The Biodun Oyebanji Administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards abuse of office, extortion, corruption or any conduct capable of bringing the public service into disrepute. No government official is authorised to demand or receive payments outside procedures prescribed by law.

Accordingly, I wish to assure 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;

• investigate allegations regarding payments allegedly made into a private bank account;

• 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.