Alleged Unlawful Raid
The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), demanding a public apology and N3.5 billion in compensation over what it described as an unlawful and malicious invasion of its premises.
Addressing journalists in Abeokuta on Wednesday, the Managing Director of OOPL, Mr. Vitalis Ortese, condemned the EFCC’s recent operation at the facility, describing it as “a direct assault on everything the institution stands for” and an infringement on the rights of its patrons.
According to reports, EFCC operatives stormed the OOPL in the early hours of Sunday, August 10, 2025, arresting 93 suspected internet fraudsters and seizing 18 vehicles along with several mobile devices. Ortese stated that the management views the incident as not only unlawful but also as a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of the library and its chief promoter, former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
He asserted that both the EFCC and the Nigeria Police Force are “jointly and severally liable” for the alleged violations, describing their actions as aggravated, unconstitutional, oppressive, arbitrary, and malicious. He further stressed that the raid not only disrupted legitimate commercial and social activities at the facility but also caused reputational harm both locally and internationally.
Ortese emphasized that OOPL patrons—including residents, guests, and associates of Chief Obasanjo—were brutalized despite having committed no offence other than participating in a lawful gathering. He demanded a transparent investigation by relevant security agencies, with findings made public, particularly regarding the treatment of those arrested.
The OOPL outlined its demands as follows:
Public Apologies from both the EFCC Chairman and the Inspector General of Police, to be published across major print, broadcast, and online platforms, including television stations (Channels, AIT, NTA, TVC, Arise), newspapers, magazines, and digital media outlets such as Premium Times, Sahara Reporters, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
Restitution of N1 Billion to individuals arrested and deprived of their vehicles during the operation, as well as compensation for bodily injuries suffered by at least 100 persons.
Payment of an Additional N2.5 Billion as symbolic acknowledgment and atonement for the damage done to the reputation, business interests, and financial standing of OOPL and its chief promoter.
Ortese revealed that the library has engaged legal counsel, security consultants, and civil society organizations to ensure accountability, safeguard institutional respect, and protect the rights of its staff and patrons.
He warned that if these demands are not fully met within the stipulated seven days—by Wednesday, August 20, 2025—the OOPL would take legal action in a competent court without further engagement with the EFCC or Police, and the scope of claims would extend beyond the current demands.
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