The recent Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operation that resulted in the arrest of 93 suspected internet fraudsters has sparked significant controversy and legal threats from the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) management. Widely reported as a ‘raid on the library,’ EFCC has issued a clarifying statement emphasizing that the library itself was not the target of the operation.
According to EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the arrests were made at a hotel situated within the confines of the OOPL premises. Intelligence suggested that the suspects were holding a pool party to celebrate their illicit gains. Initially planned elsewhere, the party was moved to the hotel at OOPL to evade EFCC surveillance, which ultimately led to their apprehension.
The EFCC described the suspects as involved in impersonation, identity theft, and various internet fraud offenses. Following profiling, 23 suspects were scheduled for arraignment in Lagos courts, with more to follow promptly.
However, OOPL management has condemned the EFCC’s entry as an unlawful invasion and assault on the private property’s rights. They highlighted that the raid disrupted activities such as tourism, entertainment, and business operations within the library’s vicinity. OOPL is demanding N3.5 billion in compensation and a public apology from EFCC, threatening legal action if their demands are not met within seven days.
This incident sheds light on the tension between law enforcement’s duty to combat cybercrime and protecting private institutions’ rights. It also spotlights how fraudsters exploit private event spaces and facilities in attempts to evade detection, further complicating the anti-fraud agencies’ work.
The EFCC’s commitment to pursuing internet fraud remains steadfast, yet this episode calls for improved inter-agency cooperation and strategic planning to avoid collateral damage to institutions such as OOPL in future operations.
More than news- Its Icegate