The management of Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) has condemned the country’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for a controversial raid on its premises during a private event early Sunday. The incident, which occurred at the Green Legacy Hotel within the OOPL complex in Abeokuta, reportedly involved the arrest of several individuals suspected of cybercrime, sparking accusations of rights violations and excessive force.
According to OOPL officials, over 50 armed EFCC operatives stormed the venue of a pool party around 2 a.m. without presenting a search warrant. Attendees reportedly fled in panic as gunshots were fired, leading to chaos and injuries. The library’s management likened the operation to a “Gestapo-like invasion,” alleging that the agents threatened guests and disrupted an event that had been publicly advertised days in advance.
Kayode Adeyemi, media adviser to former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, accused the EFCC of infringing on corporate rights and endangering guests. “The operatives, led by an individual identified as Olapade, claimed to act on an intelligence tip,” Adeyemi stated. “However, their methods were reckless and unprofessional, causing terror among residents and visitors.” He emphasized that the library’s managing director, Vitalis Ortese, was informed during a phone call that the raid targeted a “private event,” despite its public promotion.
Adeyemi demanded an official apology from the EFCC and called for investigations into the conduct of the operatives. He confirmed plans to escalate the matter to the EFCC’s leadership, the Nigerian police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), warning of potential legal action and sanctions if grievances remain unaddressed. “This was a blatant violation of our rights as a corporate entity and the rights of innocent citizens caught in the chaos,” he added.
The EFCC, tasked with combating financial crimes and cyber fraud, has not publicly responded to the allegations. The incident raises questions about the balance between law enforcement protocols and respect for private property, particularly in high-profile locations linked to Nigeria’s political figures.
The OOPL, a cultural and educational institution honoring Nigeria’s former head of state, has initiated its own inquiry into the raid, pledging to collaborate with authorities while defending its reputation. The clash underscores ongoing tensions between Nigerian agencies and private entities over jurisdictional boundaries and operational transparency.
As calls for accountability grow, the case highlights the broader challenges of policing practices in a country where anti-corruption efforts often intersect with public scrutiny over civil liberties. Authorities are yet to confirm the legal basis for the raid or the status of those detained.
