The tension surrounding the ongoing Lagos State House of Assembly crisis has taken a dramatic turn, with the release of three individuals detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly assaulting its operatives during a violent clash at the Assembly complex. The three were arrested following the February 18 chaos that erupted at the heart of the legislative house. Their release came after a swift intervention by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana, who acted on their behalf, securing their bail late Saturday night.
A Clash of Powers
On the afternoon of February 18, the Lagos Assembly complex became the scene of a tumultuous confrontation, as the DSS was called in to prevent an alleged plan to forcefully reinstate the ousted Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. According to reports, some lawmakers had reportedly mobilized supporters to storm the Assembly, leading to violent clashes between the mob and the DSS officers stationed to secure the premises.
The DSS, which had been deployed after a request from the Assembly leadership, was tasked with maintaining security amidst intelligence reports that loyalists of the former Speaker were planning a disruptive return to power. The situation quickly spiraled out of control when the supporters clashed with DSS operatives, resulting in what the security agency has described as an assault on its officers.
Following the violent incidents, three individuals linked to the confrontation were apprehended by the DSS. The suspects—identified as Ibrahim Olanrewaju Abdulkareem, a photographer, and two others connected with the Assembly’s Sergeant-at-Arms, Adetu Adekunle Samsudeen and Adetola Oluwatosin Fatimoh—were arrested on different dates across Lagos.
Falana Steps In
Legal icon Femi Falana, widely known for his defense of human rights, stepped in swiftly to address the arrests. He confirmed on Sunday morning that after intervening personally with the DSS leadership, all three individuals were granted bail. Speaking to SaharaReporters, Falana explained how his intervention led to a direct dialogue with the Director-General (DG) of the DSS, urging the immediate release of the detainees.
“I contacted the DG of the DSS immediately after learning about the arrests. We made a case for their release, and upon our intervention, the DG ordered that they be granted bail. I am happy to confirm that they met the bail conditions and were released that same night,” Falana shared.
The release of the detainees underlined a quick and decisive legal move, which came at a time when emotions were running high in the Assembly following the political upheaval.
A Letter, A Request, and a Security Threat
The arrest and release of the three individuals did not occur in isolation but were tied to a larger series of events set in motion earlier this month. On February 14, 2025, a letter from the Acting Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly, A.T.B. Ottun, was addressed to the DSS, formally requesting enhanced security at the Assembly complex. This move came after the Assembly received credible intelligence reports about plans by some factions to reinstall Hon. Obasa as Speaker.
The leaked letter, referencing LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323, outlined the Assembly’s concerns and requested the DSS to implement heightened security protocols, including strict access control measures at the Assembly complex. The memo mentioned specific security risks that might arise from the perceived unrest, which was further fueled by political divides in the Assembly.
The letter revealed a detailed plan that the leadership of the Lagos Assembly had hoped would prevent any disorder. It specifically warned of a “potential security threat” posed by Obasa’s loyalists, who allegedly intended to use force to reinstate the former Speaker.
In the days leading up to the February 18 crisis, reports suggested that there were growing tensions within the Assembly, especially among lawmakers loyal to the embattled ex-Speaker. Sources close to the Assembly indicated that there were attempts to mobilize supporters to stage a demonstration and pressure the Assembly into reversing Obasa’s ouster.
The Fallout from the Crisis
The dramatic clash of forces on February 18 has now cast a shadow over the already precarious political situation within the Lagos Assembly. While the DSS had been deployed to secure the complex, the involvement of the Sergeant-at-Arms and the photographer in the scuffle has raised questions about the role of Assembly personnel in the breakdown of order.
One of the key players arrested, Ibrahim Olanrewaju Abdulkareem, a photographer working with the Assembly, is said to have been captured on CCTV footage engaging in aggressive behavior towards DSS personnel. Additionally, Adetu Adekunle Samsudeen and Adetola Oluwatosin Fatimoh, both of whom are attached to the Assembly’s Sergeant-at-Arms division, were also implicated in the violence.
In the aftermath of the arrests, the DSS worked diligently to track down the suspects, identifying them after a thorough review of the security camera footage. This led to their arrests, and once in custody, the DSS presented a detailed account of the clash, corroborated by the footage.
While some have argued that the arrests were politically motivated, others maintain that the DSS was simply upholding its duty to protect the state’s legislative institution from an unfolding crisis. The security agency has since confirmed that it was working within its mandate to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Obasa’s Continued Influence
The root of the unrest, many analysts suggest, lies in the ongoing political battle over the leadership of the Assembly. Despite being ousted as Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa’s influence within the Assembly remains significant. Loyalists within the legislative body have made no secret of their desire to see him return to the position, even if it requires heavy-handed tactics.
The involvement of security forces to prevent this from happening has added an additional layer of complexity to the unfolding situation. For the people of Lagos and political observers alike, the developments at the Assembly remain a potent reminder of the volatile intersection between power, politics, and security.
