ICPC denies holding Amnesty International staff hostage 

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has described as false and misleading the report that  it was holding a staff member of Amnesty International hostage

ICPC said such stories are capable of causing tension and mischief.

The report which was made on Thursday alleged that officers of the Commission attacked the office of Amnesty International in Abuja.

The Commission said that at no time did its officers enter the office of Amnesty International.

“ICPC operatives were at the IHS Regional Office located at No. 6, Dar es Salaam Street, Wuse II, Abuja, on official and lawful assignment, where the face-off was said to have occurred.

“Prior to this, ICPC officers had earlier visited the facility to deliver an official correspondence, but were obstructed and prevented by the CSO and other security personnel of IHS from carrying out their lawful duties,” a statement signed by J. Okor Odey, its spokesperson said.

“The ICPC Officers were forcefully escorted out of the building.  This hostile action necessitated securing a search warrant in accordance with the law, which the ICPC did in the most lawful manner.

“The Commission is a responsible, law-abiding agency and expects full cooperation from individuals and corporate organisations while executing its statutory responsibilities,” it said.

ICPC said it will not tolerate any obstruction of its officers and men in the discharge of their lawful duties.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Director, Regulatory Affairs of IHS Regional Office, Mr. Saidu Abdullahi, has already tendered a written apology to the Commission on behalf of IHS Towers and its management.

“In his statement, he described the incident as unfortunate and regrettable and assured that the lapses on the part of the Chief Security Officer and personnel on duty would be addressed to prevent a recurrence,” it added.

The ICPC urged the public to disregard the misleading  publication in its entirety as it does not reflect the facts.

ICPC denies holding Amnesty International staff hostage