The Department of State Services has clarified its presence at the Lagos State House of Assembly, stating that its operatives were deployed at the request of the lawmakers to ensure security at the complex.
Amid rising concerns about the security operation, which included the closure of offices belonging to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the DSS refuted allegations that it had “stormed” the Assembly, emphasising that its presence was in direct response to an official request from the Assembly.
In a statement issued on Monday, the DSS disclosed that the request was made through a letter dated 14 February 2025, in which the Assembly sought enhanced security due to potential threats.
The statement read in part, “Contrary to reports from certain media outlets claiming that Department of State Services (DSS) officers stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly and sealed the offices of the Speaker and his deputy, it was the Assembly that formally invited security agents to help maintain order.
“In the letter dated 14 February 2025, the Assembly management informed security agencies in Lagos of credible intelligence indicating that there were plans to forcibly reinstate the impeached Speaker of the State Assembly on 18 February 2025.
“This, the Assembly management noted, posed ‘a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.’
The DSS reassured the public that its actions were solely intended to uphold order and security at the Assembly, in accordance with the lawmakers’ request.
The DSS statement also included an excerpt from the letter, signed by the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mr A.T.B. Ottun, and addressed to the DSS Director in Lagos, along with other security agencies in the state.
The letter stated, “The impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly intends to resume office on 18 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 bolster the security of the Assembly premises effective from Sunday, 16 February 2025, by increasing the presence of your personnel and enforcing strict access control both within and outside the Assembly premises until further notice.”
By Anthony Ogbekile
