February 23, 2025 | Hobnob News
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested three staff members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for allegedly attacking its operatives during a tense altercation at the assembly complex on Monday, February 18, 2025.
The security personnel had been deployed to the assembly following a formal request from the legislative body. In a letter dated February 14, 2025, and signed by the acting clerk, A. T. B. Ottun, the Lagos Assembly had sought additional security reinforcement from the DSS to regulate access to the premises. The letter, referenced LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323, instructed the DSS to enforce strict security measures starting from February 15 until further notice.
Altercation at the Assembly Complex
Despite the official invitation for security reinforcement, a dramatic scene unfolded at the assembly premises, leading to an altercation between some individuals and the DSS personnel. Sources within the DSS disclosed that their officers were physically assaulted during the incident, prompting an investigation into the matter.
An intelligence analysis of CCTV footage reportedly helped the DSS identify the individuals responsible for the attack. According to a security source, three individuals linked to the Lagos Assembly were traced and subsequently arrested in different parts of Lagos.
The arrested individuals include Ibrahim Olanrewaju Abdulkareem, a photographer at the assembly, as well as two members of the Assembly’s Sergeant-at-Arms unit—Adetu Adekunle Samsudeen and Adetola Oluwatosin Fatimoh. The security source confirmed that the suspects were tracked down based on clear video evidence and taken into custody during the week.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Release
A human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, confirmed the arrest and subsequent release of the suspects. In a statement to Hobnob News, Falana disclosed that the three assembly staff members had been granted bail following legal intervention.
“I can confirm that the three assembly workers who were arrested by DSS have been released on bail,” he said.
While the DSS has yet to make an official public statement, sources indicate that legal proceedings may soon commence against the suspects.
Implications for Legislative Security
The incident has raised concerns about the working relationship between security agencies and legislative staff. The Lagos State House of Assembly’s decision to request additional DSS protection underscores growing security concerns within the legislative space. However, the altercation has sparked discussions on the conduct of security personnel and assembly workers alike.
Observers have called for a thorough review of security operations within government institutions to prevent future confrontations and ensure a harmonious working relationship between security agencies and legislative officials.
As developments unfold, stakeholders await further clarification on the next legal steps, as well as potential institutional reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
