FEDERAL HIGH COURT ORDERS THE REMAND OF 3 STAFF MEMBERS OF THE LAGOS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY IN THE CUSTODY OF THE DSS 26-02-25
By Sadiq Aminu The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of three staff members of the Lagos State House of Assembly in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations of assaulting security officers and engaging in cyber-related offenses.
Justice Daniel Osiagor issued the remand order directing that the defendants, Ibrahim Olanrewaju, Adetu Adekunle, and Fatimoh Adetola remain in DSS custody pending their formal arraignment scheduled for tomorrow.
The judge emphasized the need to review the case file before proceeding with the arraignment.
The DSS, represented by counsel Michael Bajela, filed the charges under case number FHC/L/273C/2025, accusing the trio of conspiracy, obstruction of official duties, and misuse of social media to spread false information.
Details of the Allegations
According to the DSS, the alleged incident occurred on February 17, 2025, within the premises of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The three defendants, along with others still at large, allegedly conspired to obstruct DSS officers while they were carrying out official duties, without providing any lawful justification.
The charges also extend into the digital space. The DSS alleges that the defendants recorded and circulated false information on social media platforms, portraying the security agency in a negative light. This act, the DSS claims, was intended to incite public disorder and embarrass the agency.
Cyberstalking Allegations:
The DSS claims the defendants engaged in cyberstalking by spreading misleading content, which was designed to disrupt public order and damage the reputation of the security service.
Use of Personal Devices:
The agency further detailed how the defendants used personal devices to spread the content—specifically, an iPhone 12 Pro Max used by Ibrahim Olanrewaju and Adetu Adekunle, and a Techno POP 8 used by Adekunle to record and disseminate the material.
Legal Ramifications
The charges against the defendants cite multiple legal violations, including:
Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (Conspiracy to commit felony).
Sections 27(1)(b), 24(1)(b), 24(c)(i), and 11 of the Cybercrime Act