According to a statement issued by OOPL management, the incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. when the armed group, led by a man identified only as “Olapade,” stormed the premises, firing shots into the air and threatening to kill people.
The chaos reportedly left guest and residents injured as they tried to escape.
The statement reads:" This morning, at about 2 am, the OOPL premises were invaded by a Gestapo-like gang of over 50 armed men, shooting guns, threatening to kill people, and purporting to be from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
"The invasion, led by one "Olapade" caused serious panic and chaos, leading to serious injuries among participants trying to escape the shooting and near carnage that resulted, andcausing terror among residents on the site.
“On inquiry by phone, the "Olapade” informed the Managing Director of the OOPL establishment, Mr. Vitalis Ortese, that they were acting on an intelligence tip about a private event in the amusement facility of the complex.
“They also informed management that the police have been duly informed of the operation.
"It should be noted that the event was a private event that had been widely
advertised to members of the public for days prior.
“It should also be noted that both the police officers stationed at the OOPL gates and the additional police sent from the Kemta Police Station, as requested by the
organizers of the event and management, stated that they were NOT informed of any
planned operation by the EFCC, and neither did they present any warrant.
“And when the armed men were accosted by OOPL security and assisting police officers, they simply retorted, “We are doing our job”
.
“Management wishes to state that this action by the EFCC is a clear case of invasion of private property, infringement of OOPL rights as corporate citizens , and indeed a stark and blatant violation of the rights of the people who so gathered for the event.
“Management has commenced its investigation of the invasion and will take up the matter with the highest authorities, including the EFCC, the police, and the Department of State Security.
“ In the meantime , management demands an explanation of these impudent actions
from the Commission and an apology from the EFCC authorities for the infringement of its rights, to all those who gathered, and those who sustained serious injuries from the gangster like induced chaos.
“Failure for which the management will be compelled to seek redress and sanctions as appropriate”.
