Otunba Adejare Rewane Adegbenro, a renowned security expert and advocate for peace, has strongly criticized the recent raid carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta. The operation, conducted in the early hours of Monday, August 11, 2025, resulted in the apprehension of 93 individuals suspected of engaging in internet fraud.
Speaking in Abuja during an interview with ITV, Adegbenro described the operation as heavy-handed, arguing that it fell short of the procedures expected when dealing with a facility associated with 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 stated.
Adegbenro emphasised that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has consistently demonstrated zero tolerance for corruption and fraud, noting that it was under his leadership that the EFCC was established. “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,” he said.
The security expert expressed strong disapproval of what he termed the “Gestapo-style” raid, stressing that while some cybercrime suspects were arrested, innocent fun-seekers at the premises were also unjustly picked up, with some sustaining injuries.
He also highlighted the financial and reputational toll of the invasion, saying damages inflicted on the OOPL facilities run into billions of naira.
“This is draconian. Such operations have no place in a democratic setting. They should learn from the FBI,” he warned.
Though the EFCC has denied that the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, was the target of its sting operation, claiming that the operation followed intelligence reports. However, the OOPL management demanded N3.5bn in compensation as well as public apology unless it would go to court
The incident has triggered national debate over the commission’s methods, the importance of due process, and the need to balance crime-fighting efforts with respect for democratic institutions.
