Obasanjo Library slams EFCC over midnight raid, threatens legal action

The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has condemned a midnight invasion of its premises by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing it as unlawful and a gross violation of rights.

According to the library’s Managing Director, Vitalis Ortese, the raid took place around 2 a.m. on Sunday during a private event at the complex. The operation, allegedly led by an EFCC operative identified as “Olapade,” reportedly caused panic as guests fled amid sporadic gunfire, with several sustaining injuries.

Ortese said the EFCC team neither presented a warrant nor informed the police officers stationed at the venue. He noted that additional police from the Kemta Police Station had also been deployed for the event, yet none were aware of any planned operation by the anti-graft agency.

“The EFCC’s conduct amounts to an invasion of private property and a blatant violation of the rights of both the OOPL as a corporate citizen and the individuals present,” Ortese stated.

He explained that the EFCC claimed to be acting on intelligence regarding the private event, which had been publicly advertised in advance. However, the management argued there was no justification for the “gangster-like” manner in which the raid was executed.

The OOPL has demanded a formal explanation and an unreserved apology from the EFCC to those injured and whose rights were infringed upon.

Management warned that failure to apologise would leave them with no choice but to seek legal redress and push for applicable sanctions against the commission.

The EFCC, in a separate statement on Sunday, confirmed a raid in Abeokuta during which 93 suspected internet fraudsters were arrested, but did not directly address the allegations from the OOPL.