In a tense standoff between the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), gunshots were fired from within the barricaded premises of No. 15 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The premises, previously shared by both agencies, are now under the exclusive control of armed DSS operatives.
Since Tuesday morning, armed DSS operatives, supported by two armored vehicles, have prevented EFCC personnel from accessing their offices within the premises.
The shots were reportedly fired as journalists from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) approached the locked gate in an attempt to capture close-up footage.
Fortunately, no journalists or EFCC operatives outside the premises were harmed, as the shots seemed to have been fired as a warning.
The dispute over the ownership and usage of the premises has been ongoing for the past 20 years between the DSS and EFCC.
Originally the exclusive domain of the DSS, the premises have been shared since the establishment of the EFCC in 2003 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Efforts to resolve the ownership dispute through negotiations have been unsuccessful, leading to the current impasse.
Thle EFCC has strongly condemned the barricade of its largest hub in Lagos, expressing concern over the impact on its operations. Over 500 personnel, numerous exhibits, and a significant number of suspects in detention have been affected by the lockout.
Wilson Uwujaren, Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, emphasized the grave implications of the siege, highlighting the lack of care for detainees and the disruption of scheduled court hearings.
The EFCC has been unable to attend to invited suspects for questioning due to the ongoing situation.
However, the DSS, despite photographic and video evidence, has denied barring access to EFCC personnel.
Dr. Peter Afunaya, spokesperson for the DSS, asserted that the building belongs to their agency and clarified that the DSS is merely occupying its own facility to carry out its official responsibilities.
