Obasanjo Library accuses EFCC of invasion, threatens legal action

The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) has accused the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of invading its premises in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.

The OOPL belongs to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The EFCC had, in a statement, announced the arrest of 93 suspected internet fraudsters in Abeokuta on Sunday, August 10, 2025.

The commission, while noting that the suspects were arrested in a sting operation, failed to mention the particular location where the suspected internet fraudsters were apprehended.

However, the management of OOPL, in a statement on Sunday, accused the EFCC operatives of invading the premises by a Gestapo-like gang of over 50 armed men, shooting guns, and threatening to kill people.

The management said the OOPL premises were invaded at about 2 a.m. on Sunday, saying the alleged invasion, led by one “Olapade”, caused serious panic and chaos, leading to serious injuries among participants trying to escape the “shooting” and causing terror among residents on the site.

It stated: “On inquiry by phone, the ‘Olapade’ informed the Managing Director of the OOPL establishment, Mr. Vitalis Ortese, that they were acting on an intelligence tip about a private event in the amusement facility of the complex. They also informed management that the police have been duly informed of the operation.

“It should be noted that the event was a private event that had been widely advertised to members of the public for days prior.

Again, EFCC arrests 93 internet fraudsters in Ogun

“It should also be noted that both the police officers stationed at the OOPL gates and the additional police sent from the Kemta Police Station, as requested by the organizers of the event and management, stated that they were NOT informed of any planned operation by the EFCC, and neither did they present any warrant. And when the armed men were accosted by OOPL security and assisting police officers, they simply retorted, ‘We are doing our job’.

“Management wishes to state that this action by the EFCC is a clear case of invasion of private property, infringement of OOPL rights as corporate citizens, and indeed a stark and blatant violation of the rights of the people who so gathered for the event.”

The OOPL management said it has commenced its investigation of the alleged invasion, adding that it will take up the matter with the highest authorities, including the EFCC, the police, and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The management also demanded an apology from the EFCC, saying: “We demand an explanation of these impudent actions from the Commission and an apology from the EFCC authorities for the infringement of its rights, to all those who gathered, and those who sustained serious injuries from the gangster like induced chaos.

“Failure for which the management will be compelled to seek redress and sanctions as appropriate.”

The Star