The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has condemned the siege laid to its Lagos office by the agents of the Department of State Service (DSS).
The anti-graft agency stated that the action has disrupted its operations.
It described the action as shocking.
DSS had in the early hours of Tuesday, May 30, prevented EFCC operatives from accessing the Lagos zonal office.
The secret police is at loggerheads with EFCC over the ownership of the building which the anti-graft agency had occupied for 20 years.
Wilson Uwujaren, Head, Media and Publicity in a statement made available to The Star condemned the DSS’ action.
Uwujaren said: “The operatives of the Lagos Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 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.
“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.”
The Star