The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) has demanded N3.5 billion in compensation and a public apology from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged invasion of its premises on Sunday.
Operatives of the EFCC reportedly stormed the library premises, arresting 93 suspected internet fraudsters and seizing 18 vehicles and several mobile devices.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, on Wednesday, Vitalis Ortese, managing director of OOPL, described the actions of EFCC operatives as “unlawful” and “a direct assault on everything this institution stands for.”
Ortese said the actions of the operatives amounted to “an invasion of private property, an infringement on OOPL’s rights as a corporate citizen, and a 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 represents and a breach of every rule of law that should guide a democracy.”
He demanded a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with reports published openly, and a public apology 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,” he said.
“As well as for bodily injuries suffered by these persons, numbering at least 100, to be paid in the amount of at least N1 billion.
“We also demand a further N2.5 billion to be paid in token acknowledgement and atonement for the immense damage caused to the reputation, business, and our financial standing, as well as to the reputation of our chief promoter, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.”
Ortese expressed concern over the lack of coordination and “glaring absence of inter-agency collaboration,” noting that police officers stationed at the OOPL premises were neither respected nor included in the operation.
He warned that the management of OOPL would not hesitate to seek legal redress if these demands were not met within seven days, beginning from Wednesday.
“Families and international tourists were on holiday. Entrepreneurs were conducting business. Youths were organising musical shows and entertainment events,” he said.
“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.”
