EFCC has denied targeting Obasanjo Hotel in attacks for fraud suspects

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) has rejected the claim that the new sting operation in Abeokuta, the State of Ogun, targets the Library of President Olusegun Obasanjo (OOPL).

This clarification followed the accusation by OOPL management that the operators invaded their premises during the night attack, arresting guests and staff in what was described as “calculated attacks” on former President Olusegun Obasanjo. In a statement on Wednesday, management condemned the arrest as a striking and bright violation of the rights of people gathered for the event, “demanding ₦ 3.5 billion as compensation and public apology within seven days or will seek legal compensation.

Responding to Thursday, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale said the operation was carried out at a hotel located inside the Oopl area, not in the library itself. He explained that the attack followed an intelligence report on a billiard party that was allegedly held to celebrate the results of internet fraud.

According to Oyewale, the party was originally scheduled for two other locations but was moved to a hotel near Oopl in an effort to avoid detection. He said the profile of 93 suspects arrested revealed that almost all were involved in violations such as imitation, identity theft, and internet fraud.

“Former presidential facilities are not the target of EFCC operations. The suspects are targets and have claimed to be involvement in internet crimes,” Oyewale said.

He added that 23 of the suspects would be charged on Friday, August 15, before Judge D. Dipeolu from the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos. The indictment, which will be carried out in the batch, will be followed by a process for the remaining suspects.