The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of invading its premises and violating the rights of guests during a private event yesterday.

Operatives of the EFCC reportedly stormed the Green Legacy Hotel, located within the premises of the OOPL, and arrested some youths suspected to be internet fraudsters.

The EFCC operatives carried out the raid in the early hours of Sunday during a pool party at the premises of the library.

Reacting to the incident, the OOPL management, in a statement made available by its Director, Vitalis Ortese, described the incident as a clear case of invasion of private property, infringement of corporate rights, and a blatant violation of the rights of the people who gathered for the event.

The management alleged that more than 50 armed men, claiming to be EFCC operatives and led by an individual identified as “Olapade,” stormed the amusement section of the complex without presenting a warrant.

According to the statement, shots were fired, causing panic and injuries as guests fled the scene.

The statement reads in part: “This morning, at about 2 am, the OOPL premises were invaded by a Gestapo-like gang of over 50 armed men, shooting guns, threatening to kill people, and purporting to be from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“The invasion, led by one ‘Olapade,’ caused serious panic and chaos, leading to serious injuries among participants trying to escape the shooting and near carnage that resulted, and causing terror among residents on the site.

“On inquiry by phone, the ‘Olapade’ informed the Managing Director of the OOPL establishment, Mr. Vitalis Ortese, that they were acting on an intelligence tip about a private event in the amusement facility of the complex.

“It should be noted that the event was a private event that had been widely advertised to members of the public for days prior.

“This gangster-like action caused terror among residents and guests,” the statement said, adding that the event had been publicly advertised days before.

The management has vowed to escalate the matter to the EFCC leadership, the police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding an official explanation and apology.

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

“Management wishes to state that this action by the EFCC is a clear case of invasion of private property, infringement of OOPL rights as corporate citizens, and indeed a stark and blatant violation of the rights of the people who so gathered for the event.

“Management has commenced its investigations of the invasion and will take up the matter with the highest authorities, including the EFCC, the police, and the Department of State Security.

However, Ortese demands an explanation of impudent actions from the Commission and an apology from the EFCC authorities for the infringement of its rights, those who gathered, as well as those who sustained serious injuries from the gangster-like induced chaos.