The Department of State Services (DSS) has explained the presence of its operatives at the Lagos State office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement issued by DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya on Tuesday, it was clarified that the secret police did not barricade the EFCC from accessing its office located at 15 Awolowo Road in the Ikoyi area of Lagos.
Afunanya emphasized that the DSS is occupying its facility and carrying out its official and statutory duties at that location.
He clarified that the presence of DSS operatives should not be misconstrued as an attempt to prevent or obstruct the EFCC’s operations.
However, the EFCC has chosen to remain silent on the ownership of the building.
The EFCC expressed surprise and concern over the DSS’s actions, pointing out that the two organizations had coexisted in the same facility for the past 20 years without any conflicts or disturbances.
Read the full statement below
It is not correct that the DSS barricaded EFCC from entering its office. No. It is not true. The Service is only occupying its own facility where it is carrying out its official and statutory responsibility.
By the way, there is no controversy over No 15A Awolowo Road as being insinuated by the Media. Did the EFCC tell you it is contesting the ownership of the building? I will be surprised if it is contesting the ownership. Awolowo Road was NSO headquarters. SSS/DSS started from there. It is a common knowledge. It is a historical fact. Check it out.
There is no rivalry between the Service and the EFCC over and about anything. Please do not create any imaginary one. They are great partners working for the good of the nation. Dismiss any falsehood of a fight.
Peter Afunanya PhD fsi
PRO-DSS
