By The Department of State Security (DSS) has refuted media reports claiming that its armed operatives engaged in a battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the ownership of a building in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State.
The DSS also denied preventing EFCC officials from entering their Ikoyi, Lagos office.
This comes after several reports of palpable tension early Tuesday morning in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State, where armed DSS operatives were said to have barricaded the entrance to the EFCC zonal office in Lagos.
In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Dr. Peter Afunanya, the security agency clarified that DSS operatives were carrying out an official duty in the building.
“The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to some media reports stating that it barricaded the EFCC from entering its Lagos office. This information is incorrect. The DSS did not barricade EFCC from entering its office. No, it is not true,” the DSS spokesperson said.
He further added, “The service is only occupying its own facility where it is carrying out its official and statutory responsibility.”
Moreover, he addressed the controversy surrounding No 15A Awolowo Road, as speculated by the media. “Did the EFCC state that it is contesting the ownership of the building? I would be surprised if it is contesting the ownership. Awolowo Road was the NSO headquarters. SSS/DSS started from there,” the spokesperson explained.
The DSS public relations officer emphasized that this information is common knowledge and a historical fact. He urged people to verify the facts for themselves.
“There is no rivalry between the service and the EFCC regarding anything. Please do not create any imaginary conflicts. They are great partners working for the good of the nation. Dismiss any falsehoods about a fight,” he concluded.
