The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta has issued a stern ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police Force: pay ₦3.5 billion in compensation within seven days or face legal action.
The demand follows what the library’s management has described as an “unprovoked, illegal and brutal” raid during a night event on August 10. According to them, the incident has not only damaged property and injured guests but also stained the reputation of the prestigious institution founded by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
OOPL alleges that over 50 armed EFCC operatives, led by an officer identified simply as Olapade, stormed the premises around 2 a.m. targeting a “Wet & Rave Splash Extravaganza” party at its Rounda Fun Spot. Witnesses claim the operation unfolded in a “gestapo-style” fashion, with sporadic gunfire, threats to life, and terrified guests scrambling for safety.
By the time the raid ended, 93 people had been arrested, 18 vehicles seized, and dozens of mobile phones confiscated. The library says some of the detained guests were innocent patrons who had simply come to enjoy the evening.
In a press briefing, OOPL Managing Director, Vitalis Ortese, broke down the ₦3.5 billion demand: ₦1 billion for injuries, seized property and personal losses, and ₦2.5 billion for reputational and commercial damages. He also accused the EFCC of deliberately ignoring the presence of security officers stationed at the venue, branding the operation a “deliberate humiliation” aimed at discrediting the library nationally and internationally.
The institution has also called for an independent investigation into the August 9–10 events, with findings made public. Its legal adviser, Olumide Ayeni (SAN), revealed that physical evidence — including a beret and a spent bullet casing — has been preserved to prove that live rounds were fired during the operation.
OOPL insists that the raid has caused significant financial setbacks and vows that if the EFCC and police fail to meet the seven-day deadline, the matter will head to court — and the claim could rise beyond ₦3.5 billion.