The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) has demanded a N3.5 billion compensation and a public apology from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following an alleged invasion of its premises. The formal demand comes amid conflicting accounts from both parties regarding a security operation that reportedly took place on sunday.
OOPL management claims EFCC operatives stormed the library premises, arresting 93 suspected internet fraudsters and seizing 18 vehicles and several mobile devices. A number of people were also reported to have sustained bodily injuries during what the library has labeled an “invasion” of its property.
However, the EFCC has reportedly denied invading the library’s main premises, stating that its operation was conducted at a different location. The demand for compensation and a public apology marks a significant escalation in the dispute, pitting a prominent private institution against a federal law enforcement agency.
The Managing Director of OOPL, Vitalis Ortese at a news briefing on Wednesday in Abeokuta, described the agency’s actions as “unlawful” and “a direct assault on everything this institution stands for”.
He said that the EFCC’s actions was a clear invasion of private property and an infringement of OOPL’s rights as a corporate citizen“and indeed a stark and blatant violation of the rights of the people who gathered for the event”.
According to him, the invasion was an assault on what the institution stands for, and an assault on every rule of law that should be the guide rail for democracy.
He demanded a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with reports openly published while also demanding a public apology to be published in major newspapers.
“That immediate restitution for the damage caused, be made to those persons who were arrested and whose vehicles were carted away by the invasion force of the Police and EFCC.
“As well as for bodily injuries suffered by these persons numbering at least, 100 be paid in the amount of at least, one billion Naira (NI billion).
“We also demand that a further N2.5 billion, to be paid in token acknowledgment and atonement for the immense damage caused to the reputation, business and our financial reputation as well to the reputation of our Chief Promoter (HE Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,” he said.
Ortese expressed concern over the lack of coordination and “glaring lack of inter-agency collaboration”, saying the police officers stationed at the OOPL premises were not respected nor carried along in the operation.
According to him, the act undermines the credibility of the nation’s security framework while also putting lives at risk.
He also called on the EFCC to pursue justice with discretion, professionalism and respect.
“Families and international tourists were holidaying. Entrepreneurs were conducting business. Youths were organising musical shows and entertainment events.
“These are the very expressions of creativity and productivity we are meant to encourage—not criminalise.
“The indiscretion displayed in this operation has created an aura of fear among youths who are striving to earn legitimate incomes.
“It sends the wrong message —that creativity and enterprise are suspect, that ambition is dangerous, and that public spaces are unsafe.
”We have engaged legal counsel, security experts, and civil society partners to demand accountability, enforce institutional respect, and protect the rights of our patrons and staff,” he said.
