Tension at Goodwill Private Schools as EFCC Officials Conduct Illegal Raid

A recent incident at Goodwill Private Schools in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has raised concerns among staff, students, and parents following an official operation that took place on February 27 and 28, 2025.

According to sources within the school, a group of officials arrived unexpectedly, disrupting academic activities and marking the school building with an inscription indicating a legal restraint. The situation escalated the following day when the officials returned and instructed secondary school students to relocate to the primary school section, where they were gathered in the assembly hall.

School authorities were informed that the premises were under legal restrictions due to an ongoing legal matter. The Acting Vice Principal, Mr. Olalekan Adewale, described the distress experienced by students, noting that some became visibly shaken, with one requiring medical attention.

Mr. Adewale also recounted how officials initially threatened to detain him but reconsidered when teachers and students insisted on accompanying him to their office. He described the experience as both embarrassing and traumatic for the school community.

This event is unfolding in the context of an ongoing legal dispute, identified as Suit No. FHC/L/MISC/702/2024, currently before the Federal High Court in Lagos. The case, last heard on February 5, 2025, has seen legal representatives debate concerns over potential interference with the property while litigation is still in progress.

A legal petition filed on behalf of affected parties emphasized that the school has been subjected to multiple visits, raising suspicions about the manner in which official procedures are being carried out. The petition further stated that despite assurances given in court, additional visits occurred, creating further unrest among students, staff, and the surrounding community.

The broader issue appears to stem from a financial disagreement involving the school's proprietor and a financial institution, with ongoing efforts to resolve the matter through legal channels. Officials have stated that their actions are part of routine procedures to prevent unauthorized interference with the property while investigations continue.

The unfolding situation has sparked discussions on the impact of such operations on educational institutions and the well-being of students, with many advocating for a resolution that prioritizes due process and minimizes disruptions to academic activities.