Security expert and peace advocate, Otunba Adejare Rewane Adegbenro, has faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its recent sting operation at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of Monday, August 11, 2025, led to the arrest of 93 suspected internet fraudsters but has since drawn public criticism.
Speaking in Abuja during an interview with ITV, Adegbenro described the raid as “heavy-handed” and “unnecessary,” stressing that it fell short of the procedures expected when dealing with a facility tied to a former Nigerian president and retired army general.
“Looking at the operation network, you are not dealing with an ordinary Nigerian. You are dealing with a former president, a retired army general. I expected EFCC to get in touch with the former president or the CSO of OOPL. He would have worked with them to fish out the cyber fraudsters,” he said.
He noted that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has always shown zero tolerance for corruption and fraud, recalling that it was under his leadership that the EFCC was created.
“We know Chief Obasanjo has zero tolerance for fraud. His disgust for fraud made him establish the EFCC. No one is saying EFCC can’t operate, but there are processes, and the processes should be followed,” Adegbenro added.
The security expert strongly condemned what he termed a “Gestapo-style” raid, claiming that some fun-seekers at the premises were unjustly arrested and injured in the process.
He further pointed out that the invasion caused damages worth billions of naira to OOPL facilities.
“This is draconian. Such operations have no place in a democratic setting. They should learn from the FBI,” he warned.
Meanwhile, while the EFCC has denied targeting the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, insisting the raid was based on intelligence reports, the management of OOPL has demanded N3.5 billion in compensation and a public apology, threatening legal action if their demands are not met.
