The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of launching a politically motivated attack on the institution and its founder, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, during a midnight raid on August 10.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, OOPL Managing Director, Vitalis Ortese, described the 1 a.m. operation as “uncoordinated and reckless,” claiming shots were fired indiscriminately, over 100 guests were arrested, and many sustained serious injuries, with some still hospitalised.
He said the raid violated the EFCC’s own November 2023 directive banning night sting operations, and insisted the agency’s conduct was “aggravated, unconstitutional, oppressive, capricious, arbitrary, and actuated by malice.”
Ortese said the OOPL management was prepared to seek redress over the “unlawful invasion” and disruption of its legitimate business.
It demanded that the EFCC, within seven days, pay N1bn in compensation to the about 100 people who sustained bodily injuries during the incident, and a further N2.5bn for financial losses and reputational damage to the facility and its promoter, ex-President Obasanjo.
He also insisted that the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, must publish public apologies within seven days in national dailies, television stations such as NTA, Arise TV, and Channels TV, as well as on social media platforms including Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).
Failure to comply, Ortese warned, would result in legal action against the appropriate agencies of the Federal Government.
Calling on Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun not to remain silent, Ortese said the incident threatened the state’s economic prospects.
“This is a wake-up call. The economic well-being of your state is being threatened. The prosperity mantra you champion is being eroded. When institutions like OOPL are treated like battlegrounds, the ripple effect damages tourism, investment, and public trust. We urge you to investigate this incident thoroughly and ensure that Ogun State does not become a Somalia of institutional lawlessness,” he said.
The OOPL management noted that the EFCC’s own revised procedures, published on November 1, 2023, explicitly banned night-time sting operations, yet the raid was carried out in the early hours.
Ortese stressed that the OOPL did not oppose the EFCC performing its constitutional duties but insisted it must do so with discretion, professionalism, and respect for the law.
“This is not just about OOPL. It is about the soul of our democracy, the right of every Nigerian to live, work, and gather in peace, and the dignity of our institutions,” he said.
He added that the management had engaged lawyers, security experts, and civil society partners to pursue accountability and protect the rights of patrons and staff.
According to him, both the EFCC and the Nigeria Police Force were “jointly and severally liable” for the August 9–10 invasion, which he described as aggravated, unconstitutional, oppressive, and malicious—deliberately aimed at embarrassing Obasanjo and inflicting maximum damage on the institution’s commercial and reputational interests.
The OOPL also demanded an open investigation by all relevant security agencies, with reports published, especially concerning the alleged brutalisation of patrons who were said to be lawfully attending a party.
Ortese pointed out that Obasanjo, his family, friends, and associates live on the OOPL premises, where the incident took place.
He warned that if the demands were not met in full within seven days from Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the management would proceed to court without further recourse to the EFCC or police, and that its claims in court would go beyond the current demands.
When contacted, EFCC’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale declined comment on the matter
The EFCC had, in a statement on its X handle on Sunday, confirmed the Abeokuta raid, saying 93 suspected internet fraudsters were arrested by operatives of its Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 on August 10.
The commission said the arrests followed credible intelligence on suspected internet crime activity.
It added that 18 vehicles and several mobile devices were recovered from the suspects, who would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.(Punch)
