The unfolding drama at the Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a shocking turn, as Sahara Reporters shared via their X handle that the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) allegedly uncovered a massive cache of arms and ammunition in an office reportedly used by Baruwa Idris Okeowo, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to embattled former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.
The revelation comes amid a heated leadership battle within the Assembly, following Obasa’s controversial removal as Speaker on January 13, 2025. He was ousted by a majority of lawmakers over allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and financial mismanagement, paving the way for his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda, to assume the role. However, Obasa has vehemently rejected his removal, insisting that due process was not followed and maintaining that he remains the legitimate Speaker.
On Monday, the crisis deepened as a heavy security presence was observed at the Assembly complex in Alausa, Lagos. Security vans and personnel were strategically positioned within and outside the premises, raising concerns about a potential showdown. Sources disclosed that the heightened security was at the request of the new leadership, citing fears of disruption ahead of Obasa’s planned return on February 18.
During the plenary session, tensions escalated when some security operatives attempted to gain access to the Assembly chambers, causing a delay in proceedings for several hours. While the lawmakers reaffirmed their confidence in Speaker Meranda, what followed stunned even the most seasoned political observers.
DSS Discovers Arms Stockpile in Speaker’s Office Space
According to Sahara Reporters, DSS operatives conducting a routine security sweep of the complex made a startling discovery—a stockpile of pump-action rifles and live cartridges concealed in an office linked to Obasa’s CSO, Baruwa Idris Okeowo.
“The secret police, acting on intelligence, discovered a cache of arms, including 47 pump-action rifles and a significant quantity of live ammunition, neatly stored within a space used by Baruwa,” a source disclosed. “The operatives took an inventory of the weapons before taking them into custody.”
Baruwa, a retired security operative, has been a key figure in Obasa’s security apparatus, and the discovery has sparked concerns over possible links between the former Speaker’s camp and illicit arms stockpiling.
However, a source close to the embattled Speaker dismissed the DSS findings as a political smear campaign.
“He has not been invited by any security agency over this so-called discovery. Isn’t it funny? The same office where prayer sessions were held, where Meranda and other lawmakers have conducted meetings—now they suddenly find weapons there? It’s just another attempt to blackmail him,” the source alleged.
The DSS is yet to officially comment on the findings, and it remains unclear whether Obasa will be summoned for questioning.
Obasa’s removal has exposed deep-seated rivalries within the Lagos Assembly, with the ongoing battle for supremacy taking an increasingly volatile turn. While his supporters insist he remains the rightful Speaker, the discovery of firearms within the Assembly complex raises serious security concerns.
As the February 18 showdown looms, all eyes will be on the DSS, the Lagos State government, and the warring factions in the Assembly. Will this latest revelation lead to arrests, or is it yet another chapter in the high-stakes political drama playing out in the heart of Nigeria’s commercial capital?
One thing is certain—the Lagos Assembly crisis is far from over.
PIONEER NEWS 