By Olatunbosun Obafemi
The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) has strongly criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for what it described as an unlawful invasion of its premises in the early hours of Sunday.
In a statement signed by Managing Director Vitalis Ortese, OOPL alleged that armed EFCC operatives – led by an officer identified as “Olapade” – stormed the complex around 2 a.m., disrupting a private gathering at the amusement section. The raid reportedly sparked panic, with sporadic gunfire forcing attendees to flee, leaving several injured.
According to the management, the operatives neither presented a warrant nor informed police officers already on duty at the venue. Ortese stressed that additional security from Kemta Police Station had been deployed for the event, yet none of them was aware of any planned EFCC action.
The OOPL described the operation – labelled by the EFCC as a sting – as “a blatant violation of human rights” and “an affront to the library’s corporate integrity.” It demanded an explanation and a public apology to both the institution and those injured, warning of legal action if the demands were ignored.
“The invasion caused serious panic and chaos, leading to injuries among participants and terror among residents on site,” the statement read. “Failure to apologise will compel management to seek legal redress and sanctions as appropriate.”
Management also revealed it had begun its own probe into the incident and would escalate the matter to relevant authorities, including the police and Department of State Security (DSS).
Meanwhile, the EFCC, via its official X handle, confirmed that its Lagos Zonal Office conducted a raid in Abeokuta on Sunday, arresting 93 suspected internet fraudsters. The agency did not directly address the OOPL’s allegations.
