The Department of State Services has clarified that it did not storm the Lagos House of Assembly, as was previously reported.
Instead, the DSS explained that its presence at the Assembly was a result of a formal request made by the House itself.
In a statement addressing the growing concerns over its actions, the DSS confirmed that it was deployed after receiving a letter from the Lagos State House of Assembly, dated February 14, 2025. The letter requested additional security due to credible threats and potential risks to the safety of the Assembly and its members.
The letter highlighted concerns that the impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, was planning to return to office on February 18, 2025, which could pose a security threat. In light of these concerns, the Assembly requested that the DSS increase its presence at the Assembly and implement strict access control measures both inside and outside the premises starting from February 16, 2025.
The DSS emphasized that its actions were in line with the Assembly’s request and were solely aimed at ensuring the safety and security of the House during a time of heightened tension.
An excerpt of the letter from the Lagos assembly was included in the DSS statement and it reads partly: “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.”
