DSS Denies Storming Lagos Assembly, Claims They Were Invited

The Department of State Services (DSS) has dismissed reports that its operatives invaded the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, clarifying that their presence was based on an official request from the Assembly.

Earlier reports suggested that DSS operatives stormed the Assembly premises, leading to the sealing of the offices of Speaker Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the Clerk of the House. However, in response to the growing tension, the DSS explained that its personnel were deployed following a formal security request from the Assembly.

In a statement, the DSS revealed that the Lagos Assembly, in a letter dated February 14, 2025, requested additional security reinforcements due to potential threats. According to the letter, there were credible intelligence reports indicating plans to forcibly reinstate impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, which posed a security risk.

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An excerpt from the Assembly’s letter, included in the DSS statement, 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.”

The DSS reiterated that its deployment was in line with this security request, urging the public to disregard misinformation suggesting an unauthorized invasion.