The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Ogun state has accused operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of staging a violent invasion of its premises in the early hours of Saturday.
The EFCC had confirmed that it raided a hotel in Abeokuta, the state capital, and arrested 93 suspected internet fraudsters.
The agency did not disclose the name and location of the hotel.
The OOPL management, in a statement issued on Sunday, said more than 50 armed men stormed the complex around 2am, “firing gunshots, threatening to kill people, and causing panic among guests and residents”.
The team, reportedly led by a man identified only as “Olapade”, allegedly targeted a private event at the library’s amusement facility.
The library said the men claimed to be acting on an intelligence tip and insisted that the police had been informed of their operation.
The OOPL management said both the police officers stationed at the library’s gates and additional personnel from Kemta Police Station, who had been invited by the event organisers, denied having prior knowledge of the raid.
The management also said the operatives presented no search or arrest warrant.
OOPL said the incident left several people injured as attendees fled the scene in panic.
The management described the operation as “a clear case of invasion of private property” and a violation of the rights of both the establishment and the guests.
“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 statement reads.
“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.
“It should be noted that the event was a private event that had been widely advertised to members of the public for days prior.
“Management has commenced its investigations of the invasion and will take up the matter with the highest authorities, including the EFCC, the police, and the Department of State Security.
“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.”
