EFCC Denies Targeting Obasanjo Library, to Arraign 23 Suspected Internet Fraudsters

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied targeting the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in its recent sting operation in Abeokuta, stating that its focus was solely on suspected internet fraudsters arrested at a hotel within the facility’s vicinity.

The raid led to the arrest of 93 suspected cybercriminals. Reacting, OOPL management condemned the operation as a “calculated attack” on ex-President Obasanjo and demanded a public apology and ₦3.5 billion in compensation, threatening legal action if unmet within seven days.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale clarified on Thursday that the operation did not target the library itself but a hotel within the wider OOPL complex where the suspects were arrested.

“The former president’s facility was not a target of EFCC’s operations. The suspects were the target and have confessed to involvement in internet crimes,” Oyewale said.

He added that the suspects had planned a pool party to celebrate alleged cybercrime proceeds, initially set for two other venues but relocated to the hotel within the OOPL grounds in an attempt to evade detection.

According to the EFCC, profiling of the arrested individuals has shown widespread involvement in internet-related offences, including identity theft, impersonation, and online fraud.

“The planners got wind of the Commission’s intelligence and scampered to the OOPL, expecting a sort of cover from arrest,” Oyewale stated.

The case has stirred public debate, with observers divided over the location and manner of the arrests. While some view the EFCC’s presence near a former president’s legacy institution as inappropriate, others argue that fighting cybercrime requires swift and strategic action regardless of location.

There has been no official response from the Presidency or former President Obasanjo regarding the incident.

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