Invasion: Obasanjo Library Demands Apology From EFCC, Threatens Court Action

The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, has demanded an unreserved apology from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for invading its premises on Sunday.

The Library management said in a statement on Sunday that the mid-night operation operation which disrupted a private event, and injured several guests was carried out in bad taste. The commission, the statement said, must apologize or be ready to be sued.

The magazine had earlier reported that the EFCC had in furtherance of the war against Internet fraud, stormed the Green Legacy Hotel, situated within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State in the wee hours of today, disrupting ongoing event.

During the raid carried out by Operatives from the Lagos Directorate, of the EFCC, some youths suspected to be engaging in social media fraud were arrested.

Reacting, the Managing Director of OOPL, Vitalis Ortese, faulted the operation, described by the commission as a sting operation to arrest some internet fraudster aka Yahoo Boys, saying the operation “caused serious panic and chaos,” with the premises of the Library, wondering while the policemen working in the premises were not carried along in the operation.

Describing the operation as a violation of its right, the management of OOPL said the EFFC must immediately tender an apology failure which it would be dragged to court.

Part of the statement: “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 invasion, led by one ‘Olapade’, caused serious panic and chaos, leading to serious injuries among participants trying to escape the shooting and the carnage that resulted, and causing terror among residents on the site.

“On inquiry by phone, the ‘Olapade’ informed the Managing Director of the OOPL establishment, Mr. Vitalis Ortese, that they were acting on an intelligence 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 organisers 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.”