Ondo nightclub owners protest EFCC raids, accuse operatives of harassment

By Boye Oyeyemi

Nightclub operators and entertainers in Ondo State on Thursday protested in Akure against repeated raids by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, claiming the operations were hurting their businesses.

The demonstrators expressed concern over alleged harassment of club customers and reports of gunfire during some of the raids, saying the incidents had created fear among customers.

The protest disrupted traffic for hours as participants blocked roads around the First Bank area and other parts of Akure while chanting solidarity songs.

One of the protesters, identified as Ayo, said the raids had discouraged customers from visiting entertainment centres, threatening the survival of businesses in the sector.

He argued that although the EFCC had a responsibility to tackle internet fraud, not everyone visiting a nightclub was involved in criminal activities.

Ayo urged the commission to improve its approach to identifying suspects instead of subjecting club owners and their customers to what he described as repeated harassment.

Another protester said the operations had unsettled residents around the affected locations and appealed to the state government to intervene before more businesses suffered losses.

The protesters called on the EFCC and the Ondo State Government to find a balance between fighting financial crimes and protecting legitimate businesses in the state’s entertainment industry.