OOPL Library Demands ₦3.5 Billion Compensation From EFCC

Abeokuta, Ogun State – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified that its recent operation at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) targeted suspected internet fraudsters and not the library itself. The commission arrested 93 suspects during a sting operation at a hotel within the OOPL complex, reportedly held on Sunday, August 10, 2025.

EFCC operatives swooped on a pool party, described as a celebration of illicit online activities, which was initially planned for two locations but later moved to the OOPL hotel in an attempt to evade law enforcement. Intelligence received by the EFCC linked the suspects to internet crimes including impersonation, identity theft, and various forms of online fraud. Following profiling and interrogation, several suspects confessed to these crimes. Among those arrested, 23 are scheduled to be arraigned before Justice D. Dipeolu at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on August 15, 2025, with others expected to face court in subsequent batches.

During the raid, the EFCC seized 18 vehicles and multiple mobile devices from the suspects. The commission emphasized that the operation was directed solely at individuals involved in fraud and that the OOPL facility was not the target.

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However, the management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library has vehemently condemned the EFCC’s actions, describing the raid as a “Gestapo-like” invasion that violated the rights of the institution, its patrons, and guests. The operation, which reportedly took place between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., caused panic and injuries among those present. The OOPL management argued that the EFCC ignored its own directive issued in November 2023, which prohibits night-time sting operations.

The Managing Director of OOPL, Vitalis Ortese, stated at a press briefing that the raid was an unlawful assault on the institution’s dignity and a violation of democratic principles. He underscored that the police officers stationed within the OOPL premises were neither informed nor involved in the operation, raising concerns about inter-agency coordination and professionalism.

In response to the raid, the OOPL management has demanded ₦3.5 billion in compensation. This includes ₦1 billion for bodily injuries and losses suffered by over 100 arrested individuals, and ₦2.5 billion as restitution for damage to the library’s reputation, business, and that of its founder, former President Olusegun Obasanjo. They have also called for a public apology from the EFCC and Nigeria Police Force to be published in major newspapers within seven days, starting August 13, 2025. Failure to meet these demands will lead to legal action against the EFCC.

Ortese stressed that families, entrepreneurs, youths, and tourists were among those affected, asserting that the raid sends a wrong message that creativity, ambition, and legitimate enterprise are under suspicion in Nigeria. He said legal counsel and civil society partners have been engaged to hold the EFCC accountable and protect the rights of OOPL patrons and staff.

The EFCC, through its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, reaffirmed that the operation was based on credible intelligence and targeted only the suspects. Oyewale confirmed that nearly all the arrested individuals were implicated in internet fraud offenses and that the library itself was not targeted. He called attention to the suspects’ attempt to use the facility as a cover to avoid arrest. Oyewale also indicated that the commission remains committed to prosecuting online criminals and restoring integrity in cyberspace.

This clash between the EFCC and the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library highlights the broader challenges Nigeria faces in tackling internet fraud while balancing respect for private properties and institutions.

The story is developing as the legal proceedings begin, with the community watching closely as the fight against cybercrime continues.