DSS refutes allegation of barricading EFCC’s Lagos office

The Department of State Security (DSS) has refuted the allegation that it barricaded the building accommodating the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), thereby refusing Staff access to the office.

The incident is coming in view of the persistent underground tussle of the ownership of the building, which is located at Ikoyi, Lagos State, by both agencies of government.

Following the widely circulated report, the Services, has denied that its operatives prevented officials of EFCC from gaining entrance into their offices.

In a statement, signed by its Public Relations Officer, Dr Peter Afunanya, it said that DSS operatives were carrying out an official duty in the building.

Newsmen had report about the heightened tension around the premises in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State, Tuesday morning when some armed operatives of the DSS were seen around the entrance leading to the EFCC office with armored tank stationed.

The DSS spokesperson said, “The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to some media reports that it barricaded the EFCC from entering its Lagos office.

“It is not correct that the DSS barricaded Efcc from entering its office. No. It is not true.”

He also added that “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.”

The DSS public relations officer also stated that ” It is common knowledge. It is a historical fact. Check it out.”

He stressed that “There is no rivalry between the service and the EFCC over and about anything. Please do not create any imaginary one.