On August 10, 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted a sting operation at the Green Legacy Resort, a four-star hotel located within the premises of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The operation resulted in the arrest of 93 suspected internet fraudsters. Authorities also seized 18 vehicles and numerous mobile devices deemed critical to their investigations.
However, the EFCC raid sparked a severe backlash from OOPL management, who condemned the operation as a violent, unauthorized invasion of private property carried out in a "Gestapo-like manner." According to the library's Managing Director, Vitalis Ortese, over 50 heavily armed EFCC operatives stormed the library compound around 2 a.m., opening fire and threatening attendees, which caused panic and injuries among guests and residents. The event targeted was reportedly a private gathering held in the library's amusement section.
OOPL officials stressed that neither the library's security personnel nor the police officers stationed at the facility were informed of the impending EFCC raid. The operatives failed to present any search or arrest warrant upon entering the premises. Multiple police officers present at the site denied prior knowledge of the operation. When confronted, the EFCC agents reportedly responded only that they were "doing their job."
In a formal statement, OOPL described the EFCC's actions as a blatant violation of the library's rights as a corporate citizen and an infringement on the rights of those present at the event. The library management has launched its own investigation and is prepared to escalate the matter to higher authorities, including the EFCC leadership, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS), and has threatened legal action should a satisfactory explanation and public apology not be forthcoming.
The EFCC confirmed the arrests without specifying the location initially but maintained that the operation was based on credible intelligence regarding the suspects’ involvement in cybercrime.
This incident has drawn sharp criticism and highlighted tensions between the EFCC’s anti-corruption efforts and respect for private property and due process within high-profile federal institutions.
