The Department of State Services (DSS) has addressed concerns over its presence at the Lagos State House of Assembly, stating that its deployment was based on a formal request from the Assembly itself.
This response comes after reports suggested that DSS operatives had “stormed” the Assembly complex and sealed off offices belonging to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. However, the DSS denied these claims, clarifying that its personnel were sent to the Assembly following a security request made by the lawmakers.
In a statement released on Monday, the DSS explained that the Assembly had submitted a letter on February 14, 2025, seeking enhanced security due to possible threats.
According to the agency, the letter pointed to credible intelligence indicating an attempt to reinstate impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa by force on February 18, 2025. Such a move, it noted, could disrupt activities at the Assembly and put members’ safety at risk.
The statement included details from the letter, which was signed by the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, A.T.B. Ottun, and sent to the DSS Director in Lagos as well as other security agencies.
The letter read: “I wish to bring to your attention a pressing matter that requires immediate action.
“The impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on the 18th of February, 2025, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.
“In light of this situation, we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday, 16th February, 2025, by increasing the presence of your men and observing strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.”
