OOPL Threatens Legal Action Against EFCC Over Raid on Abeokuta Facility
The Management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has threatened to sue the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following a raid on its facility in the early hours of Sunday. The operation, conducted by operatives from the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, targeted a "Wet & Rave Splash Extravaganza" party at the OOPL’s Rounda fun spot, resulting in the arrest of 93 youths, seizure of 18 vehicles, and confiscation of mobile devices.
According to the EFCC’s official statement on X, the raid was prompted by credible intelligence suggesting the youths’ involvement in internet-related crimes. A viral video circulating online captured scenes of panic as attendees fled during the operation, which began around 2 a.m.
In a strongly worded response, OOPL Ventures Managing Director Vitalis Ortese condemned the raid as a “Gestapo-like” invasion, alleging that over 50 armed EFCC operatives, led by an individual identified as “Olapade,” stormed the premises, fired gunshots, and threatened to kill attendees. Ortese claimed the operation caused chaos, resulting in serious injuries to participants attempting to escape. He described the raid as a “clear case of invasion of private property” and a “blatant violation” of OOPL’s rights as a corporate entity and the rights of event attendees.
Ortese further noted that the event was a widely publicized private gathering, with security provided by police officers stationed at OOPL’s gates and additional personnel from Kemta Police Station, as requested by the organizers. He stated that neither the OOPL security team nor the police were informed of the EFCC’s operation, and no warrant was presented. When confronted, the operatives reportedly dismissed inquiries, stating they were “doing their job.”
The OOPL management has demanded an immediate explanation and a public apology from the EFCC for the infringement of its rights and the injuries sustained by attendees. The statement warned that failure to comply would compel OOPL to seek legal redress and sanctions. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to the management.
The EFCC has yet to respond to OOPL’s allegations at the time of this report.
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