“Gunshots were fired,” Obasanjo library fumes over EFCC invasion

By Bukola Adetoye

The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, has said the invasion of a private event being held at its facility in the early hours of Sunday by operatives of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission caused panic and chaos, resulting in serious injuries as participants tried to escape the near carnage.

The management of OOPL said this in a statement management by Mr Kayode Adeyemi, Special Adviser on Media to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday.

EFCC operatives stormed the Green Legacy Hotel, located within OOPL, and arrested some people suspected to be internet fraudsters.

The operatives of the anti-graft agency carried out the raid during a pool party at the premises of the library.

EFCC had in a statement by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Sunday confirmed that 93 suspected internet fraudsters were arrested during raid.

According to the statement, the sting operation in Abeokuta, Ogun State, followed credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in internet crimes.

The Commission added that 18 vehicles and mobile devices were recovered from the suspects.

It added that the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

But Akinyemi, in the statement berated EFCC for allegedly invading its premises and violating the rights of guests during a private event.

He also described the EFCC’s action as an infringement of corporate rights and a blatant violation of the rights of those who gathered for the event.

The OOPL spokesperson alleged that more than 50 armed men, claiming to be EFCC operatives and led by one “Olapade,” stormed the complex without presenting a warrant.

He further demanded an explanation for these actions and an apology to all affected, including those injured during the chaos allegedly induced by the operatives.

According to him, shots were fired, causing panic and injuries as guests fled the premises.

“This morning, at about 2 a.m., the OOPL premises were invaded by a Gestapo-like gang of over 50 armed men.

“They were shooting guns, threatening to kill people, and claiming to be from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“The invasion, led by one ‘Olapade,’ caused panic and chaos, resulting in serious injuries as participants tried to escape the near carnage.

“On inquiry by phone, ‘Olapade’ told the OOPL Managing Director, Mr Vitalis Ortese, they acted on an intelligence tip about a private event.

“It should be noted that the event had been publicly advertised to members of the public days before.

This gangster-like action caused terror among residents and guests,” Akinyemi said.

He said the library management would escalate the matter to EFCC leadership, the police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding an explanation and apology.

Akinyemi warned that failure to address the grievances could lead to legal action and calls for sanctions against those responsible.

“Management reiterates that this EFCC action is a clear invasion of private property and a blatant violation of OOPL’s rights as corporate citizens.

“Investigations into the invasion have commenced, and the matter will be pursued with the EFCC, police, and Department of State Security (DSS),” he added.

(NAN)