•EFCC logo, Library and Obasanjo
A sting operation in the wee hours of yesterday, leading to the arrest of 93 suspected internet fraudsters, has put the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at odds with the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta.
The agency, which said it acted on credible intelligence, swooped on the expansive facility to make the arrests, during which it recovered 18 vehicles and mobile devices from the suspects, reports The Nation.
In its statement announcing the action, the EFCC did not give the name of the place where the operation took place.
But hours later, the OOPL said it took place on its premises, alleging an “invasion” in a “Gestapo-like manner”.
It called for an apology and threatened to take up the issue with the authorities and a likely challenge in court.
Dele Oyewale, spokesman of the EFCC, said: “Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC have arrested 93 suspected internet fraudsters in Ogun State.
“They were arrested on Sunday, August 10, 2025, in a sting operation in Abeokuta, Ogun State, following credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in internet crimes.
“Upon their arrest, 18 vehicles and mobile devices were recovered from them.
“They will be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded.”
But the OOPL management frowned at the operation.
It said in a statement by Kehinde Adeyemi: “This (yesterday) morning, at about 2:00 a.m., the premises of the OOPL were invaded by a Gestapo-like gang of over 50 armed men, purportedly from the EFCC.
“The invasion, led by one ‘Olapade’, caused serious panic and chaos, leading to severe injuries among participants trying to escape the shooting and near carnage that resulted, as well as terror among residents on the site.
“On inquiry by phone, the said ‘Olapade’ informed the Managing Director of the OOPL establishment, Mr. Vitalis Ortese, that they were acting on an intelligence tip about a ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ (internet fraud) activity at the venue.
“They also claimed the incident took place during a private event in the amusement facility of the complex.
“It should be noted that the event in question was a private event that had been widely advertised to members of the public for days prior.
“Both the police officers stationed at the OOPL gates and the additional police sent from the Kemta Police Station at the request of management confirmed they had been duly informed of the event.
“The organisers of the event and the management stated that they were not informed of any planned EFCC operation, nor did the EFCC operatives present any warrant.
“When asked about their actions, the EFCC agents simply retorted: ‘We are doing our job.’
“The OOPL management states that this action by the EFCC constitutes a clear case of invasion of private property, infringement of OOPL’s rights as a corporate citizen, and indeed a stark and blatant violation of the rights of the people who gathered for the event.
“Management has commenced its investigation into the invasion and will take up the matter with the highest authorities, including the EFCC, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
“In the meantime, management demands an explanation for these impudent actions from the EFCC, as well as a public apology from the EFCC authorities for the infringement of its rights, the rights of all attendees, and for the injuries sustained by victims of the gangster-like, induced chaos.
“Failure to do so will compel management to seek redress and sanctions as appropriate.”
Attempts to get Oyewale’s reaction to the allegations by the OOPL failed.
He said the agency had already issued a statement on the arrest.
The OOPL has many facilities such as library and museum, presidential garage, amphitheatre, event centres, wildlife park, rounda fun spot, water sports, tennis court, gym and sauna, dining and relaxation, rock café, bamboo restaurant and bar, a lounge and Green Legacy Resort – a 4-star hotel with luxurious rooms, a swimming pool, gym, and spa.
