Obasanjo Library demands apology, ₦3.5bn damages from EFCC over raid

The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police Force, demanding a public apology and ₦3.5 billion in damages over last weekend’s raid on the facility.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday, OOPL Managing Director, Vitalis Ortese, condemned the August 9–10 operation, which he said left more than 100 patrons brutalised, vehicles seized, and businesses within the complex disrupted, causing significant damage to tourism and investment activities.

Ortese disclosed that security personnel recovered 12 expended AK-47 pellets and a beret allegedly belonging to the operatives. He added that some victims remain hospitalised while others are prepared to testify in court.

Describing the incident as “deliberate and malicious damage,” Ortese alleged that the EFCC and police targeted not only the institution but also its founder, former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

> “The acts were aggravated, oppressive, and actuated by malice… calculated to damage our legitimate business interests and reputation locally and internationally,” he said.

He warned that if the demands are not met within seven days, the library will take legal action.

The EFCC had claimed the operation, which lasted from 1 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 10, resulted in the arrest of 96 suspected internet fraudsters. But Ortese insisted the raid endangered families, tourists, entrepreneurs, and youths lawfully engaged within the premises, and eroded public confidence in Ogun State’s tourism sector.

He called on Governor Dapo Abiodun, the National Security Adviser, and other relevant authorities to prevent a recurrence of what he described as “institutional lawlessness.”

Also speaking, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Olumide Ayeni, said ballistic experts would determine the number of shots fired during the operation from the recovered pellets. He further accused the operatives of attempting to destroy evidence by seizing and smashing patrons’ mobile phones.