Obasanjo Presidential Library Condemns EFCC Midnight Raid, Demands Apology Over Invasion

The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) has strongly criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over what it described as an unlawful invasion of its premises in the early hours of Sunday.

According to the OOPL, the operation — which took place around 2 a.m. — disrupted a private gathering at the complex, leaving several attendees injured as they scrambled for safety.

Witnesses said the operatives, reportedly led by an officer identified as “Olapade”, fired sporadically and threatened to kill those present.

In a statement released on Sunday by its Managing Director, Vitalis Ortese, the OOPL described the sting operation as “a blatant disrespect to the people’s fundamental rights as well as the rights of the OOPL as a corporate citizen.”

The management argued that the raid was unwarranted, noting that the organisers of the private event had already engaged police officers for security, including additional personnel from the Kemta Police Station, Abeokuta — none of whom were informed about the EFCC’s plans.

“The invasion, led by one ‘Olapade’, caused serious panic and chaos, leading to serious injuries among participants trying to escape the shooting and the carnage that resulted, and causing terror among residents on the site,” the statement read in part.

OOPL claimed the EFCC team told its management they were acting on intelligence about the event, which was held in the amusement facility of the complex. However, the organisation said no warrant was presented, and security officers on site were not aware of any approved operation.

“The 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 statement added.

The management has demanded an explanation and a public apology to those affected, warning that it would seek legal redress and push for sanctions against the anti-graft agency if the apology is not tendered.

The EFCC had earlier announced via its X handle on Sunday that its operatives carried out a raid in Abeokuta, during which 93 suspected internet fraudsters were arrested by the Lagos Zonal office, though it did not directly address the OOPL incident in its post.