The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta has issued a stern demand to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police Force, calling for a public apology and ₦3.5 billion in damages over a recent raid on the facility.
Addressing the media in Abeokuta, the Library’s Managing Director, Vitalis Ortese, condemned the August 9–10 operation, which he described as unlawful and violent, resulting in significant injuries and disruption to both business and tourism at the library complex.
“The acts were aggravated, oppressive, and actuated by malice… calculated to damage our legitimate business interests and reputation locally and internationally,” Ortese said.
He added that more than 100 guests and patrons were allegedly brutalised during the EFCC operation, which lasted from 1 am to 3 pm on August 10.
According to Ortese, vehicles were impounded, commercial activities stalled, and some victims are still receiving hospital treatment.
“The raid endangered the lives of families, tourists, entrepreneurs, and youths lawfully engaged in activities within the complex.”
He further disclosed that 12 expended AK-47 pellets and a beret allegedly belonging to security operatives were recovered at the scene.
Victims of the incident are reportedly prepared to testify in court, he said.
The OOPL views the raid not just as an attack on the institution, but also as a targeted move against its founder, former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“This operation was a deliberate and malicious damage,” Ortese claimed.
In a formal demand, the Library gave the EFCC and the Police seven days from Wednesday to issue a public apology and pay ₦3.5 billion in damages.
Failure to comply, Ortese warned, would result in legal action.
The EFCC, on its part, had claimed the operation led to the arrest of 96 suspected internet fraudsters, but the Library maintains that it was a case of institutional overreach and abuse of power.
Ortese expressed concern that the raid had seriously damaged public trust in Ogun State’s tourism sector, and called on Governor Dapo Abiodun, the National Security Adviser, and other relevant authorities to intervene and prevent a recurrence of what he termed “institutional lawlessness.”
Also speaking on the matter, Dr. Olumide Ayeni (SAN) said ballistic experts would soon assess the recovered ammunition to determine how many firearms were discharged during the raid.
He also accused EFCC operatives of attempting to destroy evidence:
“They seized and smashed patrons’ phones in an attempt to destroy evidence.”
