The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) has condemned what it described as an “unlawful” and “malicious” invasion of its premises by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding accountability, restitution, and public apologies from the agency and the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the OOPL said the August 10 raid, which took place between 1 a.m. and 3 p.m., disrupted lawful activities, endangered visitors, and violated the institution’s dignity. It alleged the operation was “a direct assault on everything this institution stands for” and an attack on former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the library’s chief promoter.
“This was not a coordinated security operation. It was a reckless, unannounced intrusion that endangered innocent lives and disrupted lawful activities,” the statement read.
“Families and international tourists were holidaying. Entrepreneurs were conducting business. Youths were organizing musical shows and entertainment events. These are the very expressions of creativity and productivity we are meant to encourage—not criminalize.”
The library accused the EFCC of issuing “half-truths” to disguise its intentions, claiming the raid aimed to damage the institution, intimidate its patrons, and tarnish Obasanjo’s reputation. It also faulted the Inspector General of Police for what it called a lack of inter-agency coordination, saying police officers stationed at OOPL were not briefed or involved in the operation.
OOPL has demanded:
- A comprehensive investigation by relevant security agencies, with findings made public.
- Separate public apologies from the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, and the Inspector General of Police, to be published across major media platforms.
- Immediate restitution to those arrested or injured, and compensation for confiscated property.
- N3.5 billion in total damages — N1 billion for affected individuals and N2.5 billion for reputational and business harm.
The management warned that if its demands are not met within seven days, it will proceed to court to seek redress “without further recourse to the Police and EFCC” and will not limit its claims to the current demands.
“Our resolve is clear — we will pursue every legal avenue to ensure this never happens again,” said Vitalis Ortese, OOPL’s Managing Director.
The EFCC has yet to issue a detailed public response to the OOPL’s allegations.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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