Drama ensued in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday as staff and students of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) foiled an attempt by police officers to arrest the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, at his residence.

Prof. Ogunwole had raised the alarm early Wednesday morning that policemen had surrounded his official residence in Ado-Ekiti and that their mission was unclear.

The alarm drew members of the university community — including academic and non-academic staff as well as students — who mobilized to the residence in solidarity and resisted the arrest.

Speaking with journalists at his residence, Ogunwole said the policemen arrived around 6:10 a.m., shortly after he went to bed at about 3 a.m. He said his children woke him up after noticing security personnel around the house.

He said he initially refused to come out because he was unsure whether the men were genuine police officers and wanted to know the reason for their presence.

According to him, the police team later claimed they had a warrant, but he insisted he would not leave his house until he was properly informed of the basis for the arrest.

The Vice-Chancellor linked the development to a petition allegedly written by some individuals connected with the university, including the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, and a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Kehinde Adeola.

He said the dispute followed a leaked audio recording, which prompted the university management to invite those involved to appear before an investigative committee.

Ogunwole said the matter is already in court, adding that he had also petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over threats to his life and workplace.

He said he has instructed his lawyers to engage the police and explain that the matter is subjudice, stressing that he remains available to honour any lawful invitation and would not abscond.

As of press time, the police have not issued an official statement on the incident.