Nigeria’s Secret Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), has clarified its involvement at the Lagos State House of Assembly following an alleged raid on the premises in partnership with the Nigerian Police Force.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that earlier in the day, heavily armed operatives of the forces stormed the Assembly complex. The operatives sealed off the offices of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and the Clerk of the House.
Reacting, the DSS has said that it did not forcefully enter the Assembly building but was invited by the Assembly to protect the complex.
In an official statement released on Monday, the DSS explained that the request for additional security was made through a letter from the Lagos State House of Assembly, dated February 14, 2025.
The DSS said that the letter highlighted specific fears about the return of the impeached Speaker of the Assembly Midashiru Obasa. According to the letter, there were plans for the Speaker to resume office on February 18, 2025. This action, the letter warned, could lead to security risks and might disrupt the safety of the Assembly and its members.
The letter addressed to the DSS Director in Lagos was signed by the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. A.T.B. Ottun.
The message, as quoted by the DSS, reads:
“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.”