The Department of State Services (DSS) in Nigeria has denied media reports suggesting that its operatives barricaded the entrance to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office in Lagos on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.
In a statement, DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya clarified that the DSS was merely occupying its own facility to carry out its official duties and responsibilities.
He emphasized that there was no controversy over the ownership of the building and no rivalry between the DSS and the EFCC. The ongoing dispute between the two agencies regarding the building at No. 15 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, has been an ongoing issue.
According to initial reports, DSS operatives arrived at the property early in the morning, preventing EFCC officials from accessing their offices.
The EFCC described this action as a “siege” that severely disrupted their operations. Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC spokesman, stated that the commission had coexisted with the DSS in the same facility for 20 years without any incidents.
Uwujaren expressed concern over the denial of access to their offices, highlighting the impact on the commission’s operations, which included a large number of personnel, exhibits, and detained suspects.
He also mentioned the cancellation of court hearings and the neglect of individuals who had been summoned for questioning.
The standoff between the DSS and the EFCC regarding the Lagos office has raised questions about the coordination and cooperation among Nigeria’s security agencies.
It is hoped that a peaceful resolution can be reached that does not compromise the fight against corruption and other crimes.