DSS, EFCC ‘clash’ over Lagos property

There was a mild drama on Tuesday morning at Lagos office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) prevented the officials of the anti-graft agency from accessing their office.

It was learnt that the feud arose from a rivalry between the both agencies over the ownership of the building located at No 15A Awolowo Road, Lagos, Lagos State.

An official of the EFCC told Daily Trust that the DSS operatives arrived their office at about 7:15am on Tuesday, and refused to leave the premises despite dialogue between operatives of both agencies.

The spokesman of the anti-graft agency, Wilson Uwujaren, when contacted, described the development as “strange”, explaining that the two agencies had lived together within the facility for over 20 years without any rancor.

“Our operatives in the Lagos Command arrived at their office on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, this morning to be denied entry by agents of the DSS who blocked the entrance with Armoured Personnel Carriers. This is strange as we have co-habited with them in that facility for 20 years without any incident,” Uwujaren told Daily Trust.

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But in a swift reaction, the spokesman of the DSS, Peter Afunanya told our correspondent that the property in question belonged to the service, and as such it is not correct to say its operatives barricaded EFCC office.

“It is not correct that the DSS barricaded EFCC from entering its office. No. It is not true. The Service is only occupying its 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.”