EFCC Invasion: Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Threatens Legal Action, Demands Apology from EFCC Over Gesto-Raid

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

Following the early Sunday morning raid of its facility by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has threatened to take legal action against the anti-graft Commission.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reported earlier that operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, raided the facility.

However, further details have emerged that the operation, executed in gesto style which took place around about 2 a.m on Sunday, saw the operatives bombarding the facility and subsequently arrested 93 youths, seized about 18 vehicles and mobile devices during a Wet & Rave Splash Extravaganza party held at the OOPL, Rounda fun spot.

A statement by EFCC, posted on its official X account, revealed that the raid followed credible intelligence about the youths’ suspected involvement in internet crimes.

However, in its reaction to the occurrence,the Managing Director of OOPL Ventures, Vitalis Ortese, in a statement obtained by newsmen, revealed that the operatives invaded the facility with over 50 armed men, shooting guns and threatening to kill people.

He lamented that the invasion, led by one ‘Olapade’, caused panic and chaos, leading to serious injuries among participants who were trying to escape the shooting.

As earlier reported by OTN News, a viral video showed how some youths scampering for safety during the midnight raid that left many of the youths wounded.

Vitalis described the action as a clear case of invasion of private property, infringement of OOPL’s rights as a corporate citizen and a stark and blatant violation of the rights of the people who gathered for the event.

The statement reads, “This morning, at about 2 am, the OOPL premises were invaded by a Gestapo-like gang of over 50 armed men, shooting guns, threatening to kill people, and purporting to be from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“The invasion, led by one “Olapade” caused serious panic and chaos, leading to serious injuries among participants trying to escape the shooting and near carnage that resulted, and causing terror among residents on the site.

“On inquiry by phone, the so-named “Olapade” informed the Managing Director of the OOPL establishment, Mr. Vitalis Ortese, that they were acting on an intelligence tip about a private event in the amusement facility of the complex. They also informed management that the police have been duly informed of the operation.

“It should be noted that the event was a private event that had been widely advertised to members of the public for days prior. It should also be noted that both the police officers stationed at the OOPL gates and the additional police sent from the Kemta Police Station, as requested by the organizers of the event and management, stated that they were NOT informed of any planned operation by the EFCC, and neither did they present any warrant.

“And when the armed men were accosted by OOPL security and assisting police officers, they simply retorted, “we are doing our job.

“Management wishes to state that this action by the EFCC is a clear case of invasion of private property, infringement of OOPL rights as corporate citizens, and indeed a stark and blatant violation of the rights of the people who so gathered for the event.”

The statement added that investigation into the invasion was ongoing and demanded for an explanation and an apology from the EFCC authorities for the infringement of its rights and that of those who gathered there.

It threatened to take legal action if the anti-graft agency fails to issue the explanation and apology.

“In the meantime, management demands an explanation of these impudent actions from the Commission and an apology from the EFCC authorities for the infringement of its rights, to all those who gathered, and those who sustained serious injuries from the gangster like induced chaos.

“Failure for which the management will be compelled to seek redress and sanctions as appropriate,” the statement added.