The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied claims that its recent sting operation, which led to the arrest of 93 suspected internet fraudsters, targeted the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The rebuttal follows strong condemnation by the OOPL management on Wednesday, which accused the EFCC of violating the rights of guests at the OOPL Guest House and described the late-night raid as a “calculated attack” on former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The management demanded ₦3.5 billion in compensation and a public apology within seven days, threatening legal action if their demands are not met.
In response, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale clarified in a statement issued on Thursday that the operation did not target the library itself, but rather a nearby hotel located within the precincts of the OOPL.
According to Oyewale, the EFCC acted on credible intelligence indicating that a group of suspected cybercriminals were hosting a pool party to celebrate their alleged illegal activities. He noted that the party was originally planned for two other venues but was relocated to the hotel near the OOPL in a bid to evade arrest.
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“The former president’s facility was not a target of EFCC’s operations,” Oyewale stated. “The suspects were the target and have confessed to involvement in internet crimes, including impersonation and identity theft.”
He added that the EFCC would arraign 23 of the suspects today, Friday, 15 August, before Justice D. Dipeolu at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, with the remaining suspects to be charged in batches.
Oyewale also dismissed the suggestion that the operation was politically motivated or intended to embarrass the former president, emphasising that the EFCC remains focused on combating economic and financial crimes without bias.
The EFCC’s explanation has sparked mixed reactions, with some Nigerians defending the agency’s actions, while others have criticised the optics of conducting a raid within the premises of a presidential legacy institution.
The controversy underscores the delicate balance between law enforcement operations and the sensitivities surrounding high-profile figures and national landmarks.
