The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has warned that it will take legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the midnight raid on its premises last Sunday.
Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 reportedly stormed the facility at about 2 a.m., arresting 93 youths and seizing 18 vehicles and several mobile devices during the Wet & Rave Splash Extravaganza party held at the OOPL Rounda fun spot.
A viral video showed guests scrambling for safety as gunshots rang out during the operation.
According to a post on EFCC’s official 𝕏 account, the raid followed “credible intelligence” alleging that the youths in attendance were involved in internet-related crimes.
In a statement issued by the Managing Director of OOPL Ventures, Vitalis Ortese, the library described the raid as an “invasion of private property” and a “stark and blatant violation” of the rights of those present.
He claimed the invasion, allegedly led by one ‘Olapade’, caused chaos and panic, leaving some attendees with serious injuries as they tried to escape.
The statement reads, “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 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.
“On inquiry by phone, the “Olapade” informed the Managing Director of the OOPL establishment, Mr. Vitalis Ortese, that they were acting on an intelligence tip about a private event in the amusement facility of the complex. They also informed management that the police have been duly informed of the operation.
“It should be noted that the event was a private event that had been widely advertised to members of the public for days prior. It should also be noted that both the police officers stationed at the OOPL gates and the additional police sent from the Kemta Police Station, as requested by theorganizers of the event and management, stated that they were NOT informed of any planned operation by the EFCC, and neither did they present any warrant.
“And when the armed men were accosted by OOPL security and assisting police officers, they simply retorted, “we are doing our job.
“Management wishes to state that this action by the EFCC is a clear case of invasion of private property, infringement of OOPL rights as corporate citizens, and indeed a stark and blatant violation of the rights of the people who so gathered for the event.”
The statement added that an investigation into the invasion was ongoing and demanded an explanation and an apology from the EFCC authorities for infringing on its rights and those of those who had gathered there.
It threatened to take legal action if the anti-graft agency failed to issue the explanation and apology.
“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,” the statement added.
