…Files for N3.5bn damages
…Says it recovered AK-47 pellets, beret after EFCC raid
By Omobolaji Adekunle
The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) has condemned what it terms an “unlawful invasion” of its premises by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding public apologies and N3.5 billion in compensation.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at the OOPL Boardroom, Managing Director Vitalis Ortese said the August 9–10 operation by EFCC personnel left more than 100 patrons assaulted, vehicles impounded, and businesses disrupted, with tourism and investment activity within the complex severely affected.
Describing the raid as a “reckless, unannounced intrusion,” the management said the commission’s actions jeopardised the safety of innocent citizens, stalled commercial engagements, and flouted the rule of law.
“This was not a coordinated security operation. It was a reckless intrusion that endangered innocent lives and interrupted lawful activities,” the statement read. “Families and international tourists were on holiday. Entrepreneurs were conducting business. Young people were staging musical shows and entertainment events. These are the very expressions of creativity and productivity we should nurture, not criminalise.”
The OOPL accused the EFCC of issuing “half-truths” in its public explanation, alleging the agency’s true intention was to target individuals linked to the library and to damage the reputation of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
It called on the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser, and the Governor of Ogun State to investigate the incident and ensure accountability.
“To the EFCC and its Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, we say this: do your work, pursue justice, but do so with discretion, professionalism, and respect,” the management added, referencing the commission’s own 2023 directive prohibiting night raids.
The Library voiced concern that police officers stationed at the facility were neither informed nor involved in the operation, describing such a lapse in inter-agency coordination as “unacceptable” and a danger to national security.
OOPL confirmed it has retained legal counsel and enlisted civil society groups to pursue redress. It is demanding: “N1 billion as restitution for damages and bodily harm suffered by over 100 individuals during the incident. N2.5 billion as compensation for reputational and business losses incurred by the Library and Chief Obasanjo. Public apologies from the EFCC and the Nigeria Police, to be published across major national media outlets, including television, newspapers, and social platforms.”
The Library has given the authorities a seven-day deadline, expiring on August 20, 2025, to meet its demands, warning that failure to comply will trigger legal proceedings.
“Should these demands not be met in full, we shall have no alternative but to proceed to seek redress in a competent court of law,” Ortese stated.
The EFCC has not yet issued a follow-up response to the latest allegations and demands.
