By Ghazali Ibrahim
The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has strongly condemned a midnight raid conducted by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing it as a “Gestapo-style” invasion and a violation of its rights.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, over 50 armed men, claiming to be EFCC operatives and led by an individual identified as Olapade, stormed the library premises around 2 a.m. on Saturday.
The operatives allegedly fired gunshots, threatened to kill people, and caused widespread panic among attendees of a private event at the library’s amusement facility.
Several alleged perpetrators sustained injuries while attempting to escape the chaos.
The management stated that the EFCC operatives did not present any search or arrest warrants and failed to inform the police officers stationed at the facility.
The event in question had been publicly advertised for days, and additional police personnel from the Kemta Police Station had been deployed at the request of the event organizers and management.
Both sets of officers confirmed they were not informed of any planned EFCC operation.
In response, the EFCC confirmed the arrest of 93 suspected internet fraudsters during a sting operation in Abeokuta but did not specify the location.
The agency stated that the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence about their involvement in internet crimes and that 18 vehicles and mobile devices were recovered.
The EFCC added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The OOPL management has initiated its own investigation into the incident and plans to escalate the matter to the highest authorities, including the EFCC, the police, and the Department of State Services.
They are demanding an official explanation and a public apology from the EFCC, warning that failure to comply will compel them to seek legal redress and applicable sanctions.
Established by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the OOPL is a historic and academic center that includes a library, museum, wildlife park, event centers, and a four-star hotel.
The library was officially inaugurated on March 4, 2017, and serves as a repository of Nigeria’s political history and a center for research and learning.
