DSS Operatives Storm EFCC Lagos Office

In a surprising turn of events, operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) have stormed the Lagos office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), effectively preventing officials of the anti-graft agency from gaining access to their own office located in Ikoyi, Lagos.

This move has caused a standoff between the two law enforcement agencies and raised concerns over an ongoing rivalry and dispute regarding the ownership of the building.

Impeccable sources within both the DSS and EFCC confirmed to The PUNCH that tensions have been brewing between the agencies over the control of the office space. The DSS operatives reportedly arrived at the EFCC office as early as 7:00 am on Tuesday, refusing to leave despite dialogues and discussions between representatives from both agencies. The development has caused a significant disruption to the EFCC’s operations.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, an EFCC official revealed, “There’s been a running battle between us and the DSS over who owns the office because the office was used by them before the EFCC came on board and it was handed over to us.” The official further added, “But it’s been an administrative issue, and the matter is not in court and hasn’t caused any fracas before now. But we don’t understand why they have to block our office and deny our officials access when a new government just came in.”

On the other hand, a DSS source claimed, “The office used to be ours, and we have been fighting over it for years now, and the EFCC knows.”

Despite attempts to reach spokespersons from both agencies, namely Wilson Uwujare from the EFCC and Dr. Peter Afunaya from the DSS, there has been no response to inquiries regarding the current situation.

The sudden occupation of the EFCC office by DSS operatives has raised concerns about the impact it may have on ongoing investigations and operations carried out by the anti-corruption agency. The standoff between the two agencies highlights the need for a swift resolution to the ownership dispute, as it threatens to hinder the fight against corruption and undermine the smooth functioning of law enforcement in Nigeria.

As the situation unfolds, the public and stakeholders will be keenly observing developments and hoping for a prompt resolution that restores access to the EFCC officials and allows them to continue their crucial work in combating financial crimes and corruption within the country.