Arms deal probe: EFCC accuses DSS of avoiding investigation

-EFCC alleges DSS is frustrating on-going investigations into the $2.1 billion arms deal scandal.

-The anti-graft commission further reveals that it is empowered by law to invite operatives of any law enforcement agency for interrogation.

EFCC and DSS on collision path as DSS operatives fail to honour invitation.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of shielding its operatives implicated in the $2.1 billion arms scandal from interrogation.

The EFCC, said DSS operatives have so far failed to honour its invitation as regards the arms deal probe.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, the anti graft commission, said all other security outfits invited have honoured their invitation except the Department of State Services (DSS).

“Part of that protocol (for the invitation) is to write to the heads of such agencies, requesting that the officer(s) in question be released to be interviewed,” the statement read.

“In the course of investigating the arms procurement scandal, the office of the commission has had cause to request the release of officers of other security agencies, including the Nigerian army, the Nigerian air force, the Nigerian navy and now the DSS, for questioning.

READ ALSO: EFCC summons sacked NIA DG, wife over cash found in Ikoyi apartment

“All but the DSS have acceded to this request.

“The arms procurement investigation is a national issue in view point of the alleged culprits cutting across the military, security establishments as well as the political class. It is not targeted at any institution.

“Consequently, the insinuation about a revenge-instigated investigation of the DSS by the EFCC over its role in the senate refusal to confirm Ibrahim Magu as substantive chairman of the EFCC, is not only specious, but pure mischief contrived for motives that are unclear.”

An unnamed DSS official had been quoted by the Nigerian Tribune as saying: “What are they (EFCC) trying to do? Audit our operations or what? Did the Service report any financial infraction to them and call for their intervention? It is just a case of overzealousness and lack of professionalism and we won’t allow that because what you allow is what will continue.

“If they (EFCC) need any clarification on anything, they should come to our office. We can’t be humiliated by anybody. Never! If this is fallout from the security report officially requested by the National Assembly, then we wish them luck. We stand by our findings.”