Obasanjo library demands ₦2.5bn from EFCC, citing “Gestapo-Style” raid, reputational damage
Story by Susan Mbamah
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 a total of ₦2.5 billion in compensation.
The demand comes after a raid on its premises on August 10, which the library claims caused significant reputational and financial damage.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, OOPL Managing Director Vitalis Ortese described the operation as a “gestapo-style” invasion that violated the rights of its patrons and tarnished the image of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Ortese stated that an EFCC team, allegedly led by an officer named Olapade, arrived with over 50 armed operatives in the early hours of Sunday, firing gunshots and threatening guests at an event. “They came in like an invasion force, scaring our guests, causing chaos, and inflicting injuries. Many patrons fled for their lives,” he said.
READ ALSO: Obasanjo library condemns EFCC’s “night invasion,” threatens legal action
During the raid, EFCC operatives reportedly arrested 93 suspected internet fraudsters and seized 18 vehicles and mobile devices.
In response, the OOPL is now demanding:
₦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 the EFCC and NPF to be published in major media outlets.
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 the OOPL, motivated by malice against the institution and its founder. He declared, “These actions are aggravated, unconstitutional, oppressive, capricious, and arbitrary… clearly actuated by malice.”
The library has given the EFCC and Police until Wednesday, August 20, 2025, to meet its demands. “If these demands are not met in full, we will proceed to court without further recourse,” Ortese warned, adding that any subsequent lawsuit would not be limited to the current claims.
READ ALSO: EFCC raids Obasanjo’s hotel, arrests internet fraudsters at pool party
The EFCC has yet to issue an official response, and the incident is already sparking public debate on the balance between anti-crime operations and human rights.
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