The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) Lagos Chapter has condemned the recent detention of three staff members of the Lagos State House of Assembly by the Department of State Security Services (DSS).
The staffers, including two Sergeants-at-Arms and a Public Affairs Officer, were arrested for preventing DSS officials from entering the chamber with firearms on February 17, 2025, violating House norms.
Comrade Babatunde Ogunlana, PASAN’s state chairman, called the arrest “humiliating” and a “gross violation” of the rights of the staffers, who were performing their official duties. He demanded their immediate release and urged for a thorough investigation into the actions of the DSS.
“We call on our labour-friendly Governor, Mr. Babatunde Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to intervene and ensure justice is served in this matter,” said Ogunlana. He also appealed to Civil Society Organisations and organized labour groups to defend democracy and prevent further harassment of workers by security agencies.
PASAN expressed concern for the detained members’ safety, especially as one is asthmatic. “The DSS’s actions are questionable, and the continued detention of our members is causing them unnecessary psychological trauma,” Ogunlana added.
PASAN has urged all relevant authorities to act swiftly to address the situation before it escalates further.