The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims that it targeted the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in a recent sting operation that resulted in the arrest of 93 suspected internet fraudsters.
The management of the OOPL had earlier condemned the late-night raid on guests lodged within its premises, describing it as a calculated attack on former President Olusegun Obasanjo and a violation of the rights of those present. The facility demanded ₦3.5 billion in compensation and a public apology within seven days, threatening legal action if its demands were not met.
However, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale clarified in a Thursday statement that the arrests took place at a hotel within the OOPL precincts, not the library itself. According to him, the suspects were apprehended during a pool party allegedly held to celebrate the proceeds of internet fraud.
Oyewale revealed that the party had initially been planned for two other locations but was moved to the hotel in an attempt to avoid detection. He added that profiling of the suspects linked nearly all of them to cybercrimes, including impersonation, identity theft, and online scams.
“Sequel to the arrest of 93 suspected internet fraudsters at a hotel within the precincts of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, the EFCC will, on Friday, August 15, 2025, arraign 23 of the suspects before Justice D. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos,” Oyewale said.
The spokesperson stressed that the EFCC’s focus was solely on the suspects, not on the former president or his facility. He confirmed that the arraignment would be conducted in batches, with the remaining suspects to face trial in due course.
