The State Security Service (SSS) has demanded that Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Channels Television retract their reports regarding the agency’s involvement in the recent invasion of the Lagos State House of Assembly. In letters signed by SSS legal counsel Ayodeji Adedipe, the agency warned that failure to retract the reports and issue apologies within seven days would lead to civil and criminal lawsuits.
The SSS claims the reports contain inaccuracies that damage its reputation, specifically denying allegations that it invaded the Assembly to prevent members, including Speaker Mojisola Meranda, from entering. The agency asserts it was invited by the Acting Clerk of the Assembly via a memo dated February 14 to prevent a security breach due to credible threats of an attempt to reinstate the impeached Speaker, Rt. Hon. Obasa, on February 18, 2025.
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The SSS stated, “Without verifying the reason for our officials’ presence at the Assembly on February 17, your organization maliciously broadcast that we invaded the House to block access to members.”
While the Assembly later confirmed it had requested SSS support, it stated that the security operatives exceeded their mandate. Stephen Ogundipe, chairman of the House Committee on Information and Strategy, clarified that the SSS was meant to secure the Assembly’s entrance, not to restrict lawmakers’ access to their offices.
The situation escalated on Monday, resulting in chaos at the Assembly as lawmakers confronted SSS officials who allegedly obstructed access to the chambers. A video captured the security officials attempting to enter through a rear entrance before being pushed back by lawmakers and Assembly staff. The lawmakers described the incident as a serious infringement on legislative independence.
