.Demands ₦3.5bn Over ‘Unlawful Invasion’
ABEOKUTA: The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library OOPL in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC and the Inspector General of Police to publicly apologise for what it described as the “unlawful and malicious” invasion of its premises last Sunday.
It is also demanding ₦3.5 billion in compensation—₦1 billion for victims allegedly brutalised and dispossessed of vehicles and personal items during the operation, and ₦2.5 billion for damage to the reputation and business interests of the institution and its chief promoter, former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, OOPL Managing Director, Mr. Vitalis Ortese, condemned the EFCC’s early-morning raid on August 10, which resulted in the arrest of 93 suspected internet fraudsters and the seizure of 18 vehicles and mobile devices.
Ortese described the operation as “a reckless, unannounced intrusion” that endangered innocent lives, disrupted lawful activities, and “assaulted the rule of law.”
He noted that the former president, his family, guests and workers live within the premises.
“This was not a coordinated security operation. Families, tourists, entrepreneurs and youths hosting entertainment events were caught in a storm of indiscretion and intimidation,” he said.
The Library is also demanding a comprehensive investigation by all relevant security agencies, with findings made public.
It insists that both the EFCC and the Nigeria Police Force must take full responsibility for the “oppressive, unconstitutional and malicious” actions.
Ortese accused the EFCC of sending “the wrong message” to Nigerian youths, suggesting that creativity and enterprise were now treated as suspicious activities.
He further faulted the lack of inter-agency coordination, claiming police officers stationed at OOPL were not briefed before the operation.
The management is insisting that the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, and the IGP issue separate apologies to be published across major television stations, newspapers, online platforms and social media outlets.
Ortese warned that failure to meet these demands within seven days would result in legal action, with claims potentially exceeding the ₦3.5 billion sought.
“We will pursue every legal avenue to ensure this never happens again,” he declared.
He also urged the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to investigate the incident, warning that such lawlessness could damage the state’s economy, tourism and investment climate.
