Obasanjo Presidential Library Demands N3.5 Billion From EFCC Over Midnight Raid.
The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has issued a stern ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding N3.5 billion in compensation and a public apology following a controversial midnight raid on its premises. The operation, which occurred around 2 a.m. on Sunday, 10 August 2025, has been condemned by the library’s management as a “Gestapo-like” invasion that caused significant distress and damage.
According to Vitalis Ortese, Managing Director of OOPL Ventures, over 50 armed men, purportedly EFCC operatives, stormed the Green Legacy Hotel within the library complex during a private event, the Wet & Rave Splash Extravaganza. The raid led to the arrest of 93 youths, the seizure of 18 vehicles, and several mobile devices, with gunshots triggering panic and injuries among attendees fleeing the scene. The operation, reportedly led by an individual named “Olapade,” has been widely criticised for its lack of transparency, as no search or arrest warrant was presented.
The OOPL management highlighted that the event was publicly advertised, with police officers stationed at the venue and additional personnel from Kemta Police Station, none of whom were informed of the EFCC’s actions. When confronted, the operatives reportedly stated, “We are doing our job.” The library has called the raid an unlawful invasion of private property and a violation of the rights of both the establishment and its guests.
In response, the OOPL has given the EFCC seven days to provide an explanation, issue a formal apology, and pay N3.5 billion for damages and rights infringements, threatening legal action if these demands are not met. The management has also launched its own investigation, vowing to escalate the matter to the police, the Department of State Services, and other authorities. Social media reactions have amplified the controversy, with some estimating losses to Ogun State’s entertainment sector at N2 billion, underscoring the raid’s broader economic impact.
The EFCC, in a statement on its official X account, confirmed the operation but did not specify the location, citing “credible intelligence” regarding suspected internet fraud. The agency noted that the suspects would face charges upon completion of investigations. The incident has sparked a heated debate about the EFCC’s methods, with the OOPL’s ultimatum marking a significant challenge to the agency’s approach.
