The management of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library has slammed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the “Gestapo-like invasion” of its premises during the early hours of Sunday. Officers of the Commission had reportedly stormed the premises of the library where some people gathered for a private ceremony.
The armed men, said to have been led by one Olapade, were said to have engaged in sporadic shooting and threatening people on the premises. The management of OOPL, in a statement on Sunday, made available to journalists by its Managing Director, Mr Vitalis Ortese, described this sting operation as claimed by the EFCC as a blatant disrespect for the people’s fundamental rights as well as the rights of the OOPL as a corporate citizen.
The management insisted that the anti-graft agency didn’t have to have acted as it did, as the organiser of the private event had police officers on the ground. At the same time, additional officers were also sent in from the Kemta Police Station, Abeokuta. The management demanded an explanation for the raid as well as an apology to those whose rights were trampled upon. The management stated that it will not hesitate to seek legal redress and applicable sanctions against the anti-graft agency if it fails to tender its unreserved apology over the incident. The statement read, “The invasion, led by one ‘Olapade’, caused severe 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 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. It should be noted that the event was a private event that had been widely advertised to members of the public for days prior,” the statement read in part.
It further added, “The 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. “The 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. 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.
