The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) has called for the immediate release of three Lagos State House of Assembly workers detained by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The Chairman of PASAN’s Lagos State Chapter, Mr Babatunde Ogunlana, made the demand while addressing journalists on Tuesday in Ikeja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the DSS arrested the three staff members on Friday for allegedly attacking its personnel at the Assembly complex on 17 February.
According to NAN, the detained workers – two Sergeants-at-Arms officers and a Public Affairs Officer – had prevented DSS officials from entering the legislative chamber with firearms.
A letter dated 14 February, signed by Acting Clerk Babatunde Ottun, invited the DSS to provide additional security at the Assembly complex on 17 February due to intelligence reports indicating a potential threat to peace at the premises.
The House also cited reports alleging that the impeached Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, planned to forcibly remove the new Speaker, Mrs Mojisola Meranda, and reinstall himself in office.
However, the presence of DSS operatives led to chaos when some legislative staff confronted them, accusing them of exceeding their security mandate.
Speaking at the press conference, Ogunlana expressed concern over the continued detention of the association’s members, particularly one staff member with asthma.
“The arrest and detention of our colleagues violate their fundamental rights. This humiliating act constitutes an abuse of power and a gross injustice against workers performing their statutory duties,” Ogunlana stated.
“PASAN demands the immediate release of the detained staff members and urges the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into their arrest, alleged torture, and continued detention to prevent a recurrence.”
He also called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, civil society organisations, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to intervene and ensure the release of the detained workers.
“We urge the DSS to uphold the rule of law and guarantee the safety and dignity of these workers,” Ogunlana added, warning that their continued detention was causing them psychological distress.
