Obasanjo Library condemns EFCC ‘Gestapo-style’ raid, demands apology

The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta has strongly condemned the weekend raid by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing it as a “gestapo-style invasion” that violated the rights of the facility and its guests.

In the early hours of Sunday, operatives from the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 stormed the OOPL premises, arresting 93 suspected internet fraudsters.

According to the anti-graft agency, the operation followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to cybercrime activities.

EFCC, in a statement posted on its official social media handles, said:

“Upon their arrest, 18 vehicles and mobile devices were recovered from them. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”

However, OOPL management expressed outrage over the manner of the operation, alleging that about 50 armed men invaded the premises without prior notice, causing panic and injuries.

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In a statement made available to journalists, the library’s management accused the EFCC of: Invading private property without due process; Infringing on the rights of OOPL as a corporate citizen; Violating the rights of individuals present for an event at the venue.

The statement read in part: “This action by the EFCC is a clear case of invasion of private property, infringement of OOPL’s rights as corporate citizens, and indeed a stark violation of the rights of the people who so gathered for the event.

“Management has commenced its investigation into the invasion and will take up the matter with the highest authorities, including the EFCC, the police, and the Department of State Security.”

OOPL also demanded: A formal explanation from the EFCC regarding the raid.

An official apology to OOPL, guests at the event, and those who sustained injuries during the incident.

The statement warned that failure to address the grievances could prompt further legal or official action against the anti-graft agency.

As of press time, the EFCC had not issued any response to OOPL’s demand for an apology.