DSS siege on our Lagos office shocking – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has described as shocking the siege laid on its Lagos office on Monday by the Department of State Services, DSS, who had barricaded the entrance with armoured personnel carriers.

EFCC in a statement by it’s Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren said the development is strange to the commission given that the have cohabited with the DSS in that facility for 20 years without incident.

Uwujaren explained that operatives of the Lagos Command of EFCC arrived at their office on No. 15 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, this morning, May 30, 2023, to be denied entry by agents of the Department of State Services, DSS, who had barricaded the entrance with armoured personnel carriers.

“This development is strange to the Commission given that we have cohabited with the DSS in that facility for 20 years without incident,” Uwujaren said.

“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.”