The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed reports alleging that its operatives invaded the Abuja office of Amnesty International, describing the claims as “false, misleading, and capable of causing mischief.”

In a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Okor Odey, the Commission said its operatives never entered nor attempted to enter the premises of Amnesty International. It clarified that the incident circulating online actually took place at the IHS Regional Office in Wuse II, Abuja, not at Amnesty International.

According to the ICPC, its officers were at the IHS facility located at No. 6 Dar es Salaam Street, Wuse II, Abuja, on official duty when a confrontation ensued. The Commission explained that its operatives had earlier attempted to deliver an official correspondence but were “blocked, obstructed, and forcibly escorted out” by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and other security personnel at the facility.

Terming the action “hostile and a breach of lawful authority,” the anti-graft body said it subsequently obtained a search warrant “in accordance with the law” to continue its assignment.

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

The ICPC reiterated that obstructing its officers is a punishable offence and warned that it would not condone such resistance.

In what the Commission described as vindication, the Director of Regulatory Affairs at the IHS Regional Office, Mr. Saidu Abdullahi, reportedly submitted a written apology on behalf of the telecommunications infrastructure company. He described the confrontation as “unfortunate and regrettable” and assured the Commission that the company would address lapses involving its CSO and security team to avoid future occurrences.

The ICPC urged the public to disregard reports linking the operation to Amnesty International, insisting that the circulating narrative does not reflect the true events.

“ICPC remains committed to carrying out its mandate with professionalism, integrity, and respect for the rule of law,” the statement added.

However, eyewitness accounts painted a tense scene at the IHS building. Operatives of the ICPC reportedly stormed the premises on Thursday, allegedly threatening to open fire. Staff members said the officers confiscated over 40 mobile phones, laptops, and smartwatches from those inside.

The disturbance occurred during a World Human Rights Day presentation being delivered by Amnesty International personnel to staff working within the IHS building.

Sources claimed ICPC operatives barred movement in and out of the facility, effectively holding Amnesty International facilitators and other staff “hostage.”

“Amnesty International staff members making a presentation to the office workers to commemorate World Human Rights Day are still held hostage in the office, as ICPC operatives are threatening to shoot anyone who tries to go out or get into the building,” one source alleged.

Another added: “They disrupted the Human Rights Day presentation and threatened to shoot anyone who tried to leave the conference room or get in.”

As of the time of reporting, two Amnesty International staff members were said to still be trapped inside the building, despite the ICPC’s clarification that Amnesty’s own office was not involved in the incident.

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