The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of launching a politically motivated attack on the institution and its founder, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, during a midnight raid on August 10. According to OOPL Managing Director, Vitalis Ortese, the EFCC’s actions were “uncoordinated and reckless,” resulting in indiscriminate gunfire, over 100 guests arrested, and many sustaining serious injuries, with some still hospitalized.
The OOPL management condemned the EFCC’s conduct, describing it as “aggravated, unconstitutional, oppressive, capricious, arbitrary, and actuated by malice.” Ortese emphasized that the raid violated the EFCC’s own directive banning night sting operations, published in November 2023. The library’s management is seeking redress for the “unlawful invasion” and disruption of its legitimate business.
The OOPL has demanded that the EFCC pay N1 billion in compensation to those who sustained bodily injuries during the incident and an additional N2.5 billion for financial losses and reputational damage to the facility and its promoter, ex-President Obasanjo. Furthermore, the library is seeking public apologies from the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to be published in major media platforms. Failure to comply within seven days would result in legal action against the EFCC and the Nigeria Police Force.
The EFCC had confirmed the raid, stating that 93 suspected internet fraudsters were arrested and 18 vehicles and several mobile devices were recovered. According to the commission, the arrests followed credible intelligence on suspected internet crime activity. The EFCC’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, declined to comment further on the matter.
The OOPL management has engaged lawyers, security experts, and civil society partners to pursue accountability and protect the rights of patrons and staff. If the demands are not met within the specified timeframe, the library would proceed to court without further recourse to the EFCC or police. The incident has sparked concerns about the EFCC’s methods and the potential impact on Nigeria’s democracy and institutions.
