DSS assault: Lagos Assembly workers issue formal apology

Three officials of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Ibrahim Abdul-Akeem Olarenwaju, Adetola Fatimoh Oluwatosin, and Adetu Samshudeen Adekunle, have issued formal apologies for assaulting officers of the Department of State Services, DSS.

The incident occurred during the recent leadership crisis that unsettled the legislative chamber.

Security personnel deployed to the Lagos State House of Assembly were assaulted despite being officially invited to safeguard the premises amid the leadership crisis.

In a letter dated February 14, 2025, and signed by Acting Clerk A.T.B. Ottun, the Assembly formally requested the Department of State Services (DSS) to enhance security at the facility. The letter, referenced LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323, urged the DSS to secure the legislative complex from February 15 “until further notice.”

Upon their arrival, however, DSS operatives were reportedly attacked by three Assembly staff members. Relying on CCTV footage, the DSS arrested the individuals and later filed charges against them.

Following the incident, the three Assembly workers—Public Affairs Officer Ibrahim Abdul-Akeem Olarenwaju and Sergeant-at-Arms officials Adetola Fatimoh Oluwatosin and Adetu Samshudeen Adekunle—submitted written apologies to DSS Director General Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi through the State Director of Security, Lagos State Command.

“I, Ibrahim Abdul-Akeem Olarenwaju, hereby tender my unreserved apology for any act or omission that I might have caused your distinguished office (DSS) and personnel in the course of my duty at the hallowed chamber of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Alausa, on the 27th day of February, 2025,” one of the letters read.

The Assembly staff pledged to maintain good conduct and avoid any actions that could undermine security personnel in the future.

Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the leadership crisis, several media outlets initially reported that DSS operatives had “invaded” the Assembly. However, upon reviewing the facts, prominent news organizations, including AIT, Channels TV, The Punch, Blueprint, Tribune, and The Guardian, retracted their reports and issued apologies to the DSS.

It remains unclear whether Lagos Television, LTV, which was also requested to apologize, has complied. This has raised concerns over potential legal action by the secret police against the state-owned broadcaster.