Lagos Assembly Staff Accused of Assaulting DSS Get N3m Bail Each
The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted bail to three staff members of the Lagos State House of Assembly accused of assaulting officers from the Department of State Services (DSS). Justice Daniel Osiagor presided over the bail hearing, setting the bail amount at N3 million for each defendant. The court also stipulated that each must provide a surety who is a civil servant of at least Level 16. The DSS did not oppose the bail application, and the defendants were represented by counsel from the chambers of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana.
The individuals granted bail are Ibrahim Olanrewaju, Adetu Adekunle, and Fatimoh Adetola. They were arrested following an incident on February 17, 2025, at the Lagos State House of Assembly complex. According to the DSS charge sheet (FHC/L/273C/2025), the defendants, along with others still at large, allegedly obstructed DSS officers from performing their official duties. The charges also include accusations of cyberstalking, specifically recording and disseminating false information online with the intent to incite public unrest and embarrass the DSS. The devices purportedly used in these activities include an iPhone 12 Pro Max and a Tecno POP 8.
The alleged offenses contravene Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (2004), as well as Sections 27(1)(b), 24(1)(b), 24(c)(i), and 11 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024. These sections pertain to conspiracy to commit a felony, obstruction of lawful authority, and cyberstalking offenses.
The incident that led to the arrests occurred during a period of heightened tension within the Lagos State House of Assembly. Reports indicate that the Assembly had, in a letter dated February 14, 2025, and signed by Acting Clerk A.T.B. Ottun, requested additional security from the DSS. This request was based on intelligence reports suggesting potential threats to peace within the Assembly complex. However, the presence of DSS operatives reportedly led to a confrontation with Assembly staff, culminating in the alleged assault.
In response to the arrests, the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) has called for the immediate release of the detained staff members. Babatunde Ogunlana, Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of PASAN, addressed journalists, expressing concerns over the health and safety of the detained individuals, one of whom is reported to be asthmatic. Ogunlana described the arrests and subsequent detention as a violation of the workers’ rights and an abuse of power. He urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, civil society organizations, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to intervene in the matter.
The internal dynamics of the Lagos State House of Assembly have been tumultuous recently. Former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was removed from his position and replaced by Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda. Obasa has contested his removal, labeling it unconstitutional and has initiated legal proceedings to challenge the decision. This leadership dispute has contributed to the charged atmosphere within the Assembly.
The court has scheduled the commencement of the trial for March 24, 2025. As the legal process unfolds, it is anticipated that more details surrounding the incident and the subsequent charges will emerge, shedding light on the complexities of the case and the internal affairs of the Lagos State House of Assembly.