The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has faulted the Department of State Services (DSS’s) siege on its Lagos office on Tuesday morning , saying that the action is unwarranted and shocking.
The operatives of the Lagos Command of the EFCC who arrived at their office on No. 15 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi were denied entry by agents of the DSS who had barricaded the entrance with armoured personnel carriers.
But the EFCC in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, disclosed
that the action of the DSS is strange as both agencies have cohabited in the facility for 20 years without incident.
The EFCC also warned the DSS about the implications of its infamous action, saying that the service has disrupted its activities in Lagos.
The commission also reminded the DSS that its siege on its Lagos office may lead to certain unpleasant consequences.
The statement reads in part, “ By denying operatives access to their offices, the Commission’s operations at its largest hub with over 500 personnel, hundreds of exhibits, and many suspects in detention have been disrupted.
“Cases scheduled for court hearing today have been aborted, while many suspects who had been invited for questioning are left unattended.
“Even more alarming is that suspects in detention are left without care with grave implications for their rights as inmates.
“All of these have wilder implications for the nation’s fight against economic and financial crimes.
“The siege is inconsistent with the synergy expected of agencies working for the same government and nation, especially when there are ongoing discussions on the matter.”
