Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), on Monday, reportedly stormed the Lagos State office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) claiming ownership of the building located at No 15A Awolowo Road.
Reports say the DSS operatives arrived in Lagos on Monday and parked on the road leading to the EFCC office complex.
The EFCC staff were said to have gone about their work peacefully believing that the DSS operatives were there to maintain peace for the inauguration which was held on Monday.
After the EFCC officials closed for the day, men of the DSS operatives were said to have moved into the premises to prevent them from gaining access when they resume on Tuesday.
“The DSS even parked two armored personnel carrier outside the gate and took over our premises to prevent us from entering our offices,” an official of the commission was quoted as saying.
But the DSS claimed that it is only occupying its own facility where it is carrying out its official and statutory duties.
Its spokesman, Peter Afunanya, clarified through a statement thus:
“It is not correct that the DSS barricaded EFCC from entering its office. No. It is not true. 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. It is a common knowledge. It is a historical fact. Check it out.
“There is no rivalry between the Service and the EFCC over and about anything. Please do not create any imaginary one. They are great partners working for the good of the nation. Dismiss any falsehood of a fight.