THE Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), demanding ₦2.5 billion in compensation for alleged reputational and financial damage arising from an August 10 sting operation on its premises.
OOPL Managing Director, Vitalis Ortese, while briefing journalists on Wednesday, described the midnight raid as a “gestapo-style” invasion that violated the rights of patrons and tarnished the image of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
According to Ortese, the EFCC team, allegedly led by an officer identified as Olapade, arrived in the early hours of Sunday with over 50 armed operatives, firing gunshots and threatening guests during an event at the library.
“They came in like an invasion force, scaring our guests, causing chaos, and inflicting injuries. Many patrons fled for their lives,” Ortese said.
EFCC operatives reportedly arrested 93 suspected internet fraudsters and seized 18 vehicles along with mobile devices during the raid.
OOPL is seeking: ₦1 billion for bodily injuries and damages to those arrested or whose vehicles were seized, ₦2.5 billion for harm to the library’s reputation, financial standing, and the public image of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, public apologies from both EFCC and NPF to be published in major print, broadcast, and online outlets and comprehensive investigations into the alleged brutality and human rights violations during the operation.
Ortese alleged that the raid was “calculated to oppress and brutalise” patrons and damage the commercial viability of OOPL.
He claimed the incident was motivated by malice against both the institution and its founder, who served as Nigeria’s Head of State (1976–1979) and President (1999–2007).
“These actions are aggravated, unconstitutional, oppressive, capricious, and arbitrary… clearly actuated by malice,” he declared.
The Library has given the EFCC and Police seven days until Wednesday, August 20, 2025 to meet the demands or face legal action.
“If these demands are not met in full, we will proceed to court without further recourse,” Ortese warned, adding that any lawsuit would not be limited to the current claims.
The EFCC has yet to issue an official response to the accusations, but the case is already attracting public attention over the balance between anti-crime operations and human rights protections.
