EFCC raids Obasanjo’s presidential library

By Ologeh Joseph Chibu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has conducted a mid-night raid on Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The library was built while President Olusegun Obasanjo was in office. Valuers say the Library is worth N10billion.

Not less than N6b was realised at the public launching of the library while Obasanjo was in power raising concerns that the project might have been funded in questionable circumstances.

At a press briefing on Wednesday monitored by Irohinoodua OOPL Managing Director, Vitalis Ortese, alleged that the 1 a.m. raid was politically motivated and targeted at the institution and its founder, former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He described the operation as “uncoordinated and reckless,” claiming that shots were fired indiscriminately, more than 100 guests were arrested, and several people sustained serious injuries, with some still hospitalised.

Ortese said the operation contravened the EFCC’s own November 2023 directive banning night-time sting operations and described it as “aggravated, unconstitutional, oppressive, capricious, arbitrary, and actuated by malice.”

The OOPL is demanding N1 billion in compensation for bodily injuries allegedly sustained by about 100 victims, and N2.5 billion for financial losses and reputational damage to the facility and its promoter.

Ortese also called on EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to issue public apologies within seven days through national newspapers, TV stations, and major social media platforms.

Failure to meet these demands, he warned, would result in legal action. Ortese further urged Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to investigate the incident, warning that it could harm the state’s tourism and investment prospects.

“This is a wake-up call. The economic well-being of your state is being threatened. The prosperity mantra you champion is being eroded. When institutions like OOPL are treated like battlegrounds, the ripple effect damages tourism, investment, and public trust. We urge you to investigate this incident thoroughly and ensure that Ogun State does not become a Somalia of institutional lawlessness,” he said.

He stressed that OOPL did not oppose the EFCC carrying out its constitutional duties but insisted such operations must be conducted with “discretion, professionalism, and respect for the law.”

Ortese also alleged that both the EFCC and the Nigeria Police Force were “jointly and severally liable” for the raid, which he claimed was designed to embarrass Obasanjo and damage the institution’s commercial and reputational interests.

The OOPL has called for a public investigation into the incident, including alleged assaults on guests said to have been lawfully attending a party on the premises.

In its response, the EFCC confirmed the raid in a statement posted on its official X handle on Sunday but framed it as a lawful anti-cybercrime operation. The agency said operatives from its Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 arrested 93 suspected internet fraudsters in Abeokuta following “credible intelligence” on suspected online criminal activity.

The EFCC reported that 18 vehicles and several mobile devices were recovered during the operation and that the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale declined further comment when contacted.