The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding ₦2.5 billion for alleged reputational and financial damages caused by what it described as a “malicious” raid on its premises on August 10.
At a press conference on Wednesday, OOPL Managing Director, Vitalis Ortese, said the operation led by operatives from the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 inflicted “immense damage” on the image, business, and financial standing of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The raid occurred around 2 a.m. during a “Wet & Rave Splash Extravaganza” party at the OOPL Rounda Fun Spot. According to Ortese, more than 50 armed operatives, led by one “Olapade,” stormed the venue, fired gunshots, and threatened to kill attendees. The commotion reportedly left some injured as guests scrambled for safety. A total of 93 youths were arrested, while 18 vehicles and several mobile devices were seized.
In addition to the ₦2.5 billion sought for OOPL, Ortese demanded ₦1 billion in compensation for those arrested, injured, or whose vehicles were impounded. He insisted that both the EFCC and the Nigeria Police Force issue public apologies across major television, print, and online platforms.
“We are fully persuaded that the acts are not only aggravated, unconstitutional, oppressive, capricious, and arbitrary; the actions are also clearly actuated by malice against the institution of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library and also of its Chief Promoter, HE Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR,” Ortese stated.
The OOPL accused the agencies of violating the rights of over 100 individuals, disrupting legitimate business activities, and tarnishing the international image of its founder. It also called for a full-scale public investigation into the incident.
Failure to meet its demands, Ortese warned, would trigger legal action, potentially increasing the compensation sought.
OOPL’s Legal Adviser, Olumide Ayeni (SAN), added that items recovered from the scene including a beret and a spent bullet shell provided evidence of indiscriminate shooting during the operation.
