Two members of the Lagos State House of Assembly detained by the State Security Service (SSS, also called DSS) have been released after hours of interrogation over the recent drama that played out over the speakership cod the house..
The Chairman, Ad Hoc Committee on Information, Stephen Ogundipe, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday.
NAN reports that two lawmakers, Lanre Afinni (Lagos Island 2) and Sylvester Ogunkelu, were detained on Thursday morning by SSS officials in the state.
The lawmakers were interrogated over the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who was ousted by a majority of members on 13 January and replaced by Mojisola Meranda.
They were allegedly detained for breaking into a House store where the mace was kept, enabling lawmakers to sit and remove the former speaker.
In solidarity, Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai and other members stormed the SSS office to secure their colleagues’ release.
Confirming the development, Mr Ogundipe told NAN that all detained lawmakers had now regained their freedom.
He said the Assembly reaffirmed that Mr Obasa’s removal was legal and constitutional, following due process.
Mr Ogundipe commended the SSS for its professionalism, especially the Lagos Command Director, for ensuring a smooth engagement.
He said the invitation allowed them to present their account of events in a professional and comfortable environment.
-Source: NAN