Lagos Lawmakers’ Arrest by DSS: Insights and Updates
The Department of State Services (DSS) has released two Lagos State House of Assembly members, Lanre Afinni (representing Lagos Island Constituency 2) and Sylvester Ogunkelu (representing Epe Constituency 2), who were detained amid the ongoing speakership crisis. The lawmakers were reportedly arrested for allegedly breaking into the Clerk’s office to seize the legislative mace—the symbol of authority used to remove former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa from power.
Their release was confirmed by fellow lawmaker Victor Akande, who stated that all detained members had regained their freedom.
The crisis began on January 13, 2025, when a majority of Assembly members voted to remove Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, replacing him with Mojisola Meranda. The situation escalated when the detained lawmakers allegedly forced their way into the chamber and damaged a door to retrieve the mace, leading to their arrest by the DSS.
In response to the detentions, Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai and other Assembly members visited the DSS office to advocate for their colleagues’ release.