ABEOKUTA — The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police Force, demanding a total of ₦3.5 billion in compensation over what it described as an unlawful, violent, and reputation-damaging raid on its premises.
The library’s management, in a press conference on Wednesday, said the August 10 operation by EFCC operatives — allegedly led by one “Olapade” — caused “immense damage” to the image, business, and financial standing of both the institution and its founder, former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
According to the Managing Director, Vitalis Ortese, over 50 armed operatives stormed the OOPL Rounda fun spot at about 2 a.m. during a “Wet & Rave Splash Extravaganza” party, firing gunshots, threatening to kill people, and arresting 93 youths. The EFCC also seized 18 vehicles and mobile devices during the operation.
Ortese alleged that the raid sparked panic and chaos, leaving several patrons injured as they tried to flee the gunfire. He demanded ₦1 billion as restitution for those arrested and injured, in addition to ₦2.5 billion in damages for the reputational and commercial harm caused to OOPL and Obasanjo.
“The acts are unconstitutional, oppressive, capricious, and clearly actuated by malice against the institution and its Chief Promoter,” Ortese said. “They were calculated to brutalise, violate rights, and inflict maximum damage on our legitimate business interests and standing both in Nigeria and abroad.”
The management also demanded:
- Public apologies from both the EFCC Chairman and the Inspector-General of Police, published across major television, print, and online platforms.
- A comprehensive public investigation into the incident and the alleged brutalisation of more than 100 patrons.
- Immediate restitution to victims whose vehicles were confiscated and who sustained injuries.
OOPL’s legal adviser, Olumide Ayeni (SAN), disclosed that physical evidence — including a beret and a spent bullet shell — would be presented to prove that live rounds were fired during the raid.
The management warned that failure to meet the demands within seven days would result in immediate legal action against both the EFCC and the Police, with claims potentially exceeding the current compensation request.
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