The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) has condemned what it described as an invasion of its premises by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) around 2 a.m. on Sunday.
According to the library, the late-night operation disrupted a private gathering within the complex, leaving several attendees injured as they scrambled for safety.
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Armed operatives, reportedly led by one Olapade, were alleged to have fired sporadically and threatened to kill those present.
In a statement made available to journalists by its Managing Director, Vitalis Ortese, the OOPL management described the raid, which the EFCC claimed was a sting operation as a blatant violation of fundamental human rights and an affront to the library’s rights as a corporate entity.
It faulted the anti-graft agency’s approach, stating that police officers were already on duty at the event and additional personnel had been deployed from Kemta Police Station, Abeokuta, none of whom had prior knowledge of the EFCC operation.
The management demanded an explanation for the raid and a public apology to those whose rights were trampled upon and who sustained injuries during the incident, warning that it would take legal action if the EFCC failed to comply.
“In the meantime, management demands an explanation of these impudent actions from the Commission and an apology from the EFCC authorities for the infringement of its rights, to all those who gathered, and those who sustained serious injuries from the gangster like induced chaos. Failure for which the management will be compelled to seek redress and sanctions as appropriate,” the management threatened.
The management said it had begun its own investigation into the incident and would escalate the matter to relevant authorities, including the EFCC, Police, and the Department of State Security (DSS).
“The invasion, led by one ‘Olapade’, caused serious panic and chaos, leading to serious injuries among participants trying to escape the shooting and the 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 about a private event in the amusement facility of the complex.
“They also informed management that the police have been duly informed of the operation.