EFCC raid: Obasanjo library demands N3.5b compensation, public apology

The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) has demanded ₦3.5 billion in compensation and a public apology from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over what it called an “unlawful invasion” of its premises on Sunday.

During the raid, anti-graft agency operatives arrested 93 suspected internet fraudsters, seized 18 vehicles, and confiscated several mobile devices, sparking outrage from the library’s management.

While speaking at a press briefing in Abeokuta on Wednesday, Vitalis Ortese, Managing Director of OOPL, condemned the EFCC’s actions, describing them as a “direct assault” on the institution’s values and rights.

He called the raid an invasion of private property and a blatant violation of the rights of individuals present at the library during the incident.

Ortese stressed that this act undermines democratic principles and the library’s mission, stating, “This is an assault on everything the institution stands for and a violation of every rule of law that should guide democracy.”

The library called for a thorough investigation into the incident, with findings made public.

It also demanded formal apology to be published in major national newspapers and immediate restitution for damages, including: ₦1 billion for bodily injuries suffered by no fewer than 100 individuals, ₦2.5 billion to acknowledge and atone for reputational and financial harm caused to OOPL, its business operations, and its chief promoter, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

Ortese also criticized the lack of inter-agency collaboration, noting that police officers stationed at the OOPL premises were completely ignored during the EFCC operation.

He warned that the library would pursue *legal action if the demands were not met within seven days, starting from Wednesday.

Ortese highlighted how the raid disrupted normal activities at the library, which had been hosting families, international tourists, entrepreneurs, and youth events.

He argued that the EFCC’s indiscretion sends a damaging message to young people striving to earn legitimate incomes, stating, “It sends the wrong message—that creativity and enterprise are suspect, ambition is dangerous, and public spaces are unsafe.”

The OOPL management confirmed it had engaged legal counsel, security experts, and civil society partners to demand accountability, enforce institutional respect, and protect the rights of patrons and staff.

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