In a dramatic turn of events, Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Channels Television have publicly apologized to the Department of State Services (DSS) over their reports on the security agency’s alleged role in the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis on February 17.
The apologies come after both media outlets initially suggested that the DSS had forcefully invaded the Assembly complex, a claim that sparked widespread debate and backlash. However, fresh revelations indicate that the security presence was, in fact, requested by the Clerk of the House for protective purposes.
During its News Hour program, AIT formally retracted its initial report, acknowledging that it was based on eyewitness accounts that did not fully capture the facts.
In an official statement, the station admitted to unintentionally misrepresenting the DSS’s role:
> “AIT News wishes to apologise to the Department of State Services, DSS, for the news item broadcast during our bulletin on Monday, 17th February 2025, regarding the presence of DSS officers at the Lagos State House of Assembly. Our intention was not to malign or embarrass the DSS, an institution we hold in the highest regard for its critical role in safeguarding our nation.”
“Our reporting was based on eyewitness accounts and information obtained from sources at the Lagos State House of Assembly. However, we recognise that the report may have been incomplete and unintentionally misrepresented the service and its presence at the State House of Assembly. We hereby regret any embarrassment this may have caused.”
Similarly, on Friday, Channels TV issued an apology during its Politics Today program, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye, which featured former DSS Assistant Director-General, Muhammed Ngoshe, as a guest.
Okinbaloye admitted that the initial report, bolstered by viral video clips, created the impression that lawmakers were shocked by the DSS presence, fueling speculation of an unauthorized invasion. However, newly surfaced official correspondence revealed that the Lagos Assembly Clerk had formally invited the DSS for security reinforcement.
> “It came to light in some of the letters we now have that the Clerk of the Lagos Assembly actually wrote to request DSS protection at the House of Assembly. But if you look at the video, it was made to appear as though the lawmakers were fighting to get inside and were shocked that the DSS was there.”
“I think it’s right to apologise to the service and say that the use of ‘invasion’ might not have been the right word to use because it was portrayed as though the DSS stormed the Assembly uninvited, which was not the case.”
Further clarifying the agency’s legal authority, Okinbaloye noted:
> “From what we understand, the DSS has the power under the law to move into any place as they deem fit. Is that right?”
In response, Ngoshe acknowledged the correction and urged both media houses to ensure their apologies were officially communicated to the DSS:
“I hope the apologies will be carried to the DSS officially, because we need to stop some of these things.”
The controversy had earlier escalated when the DSS threatened legal action against both AIT and Channels TV, accusing them of disseminating false and malicious reports. The media stations’ swift retractions and public apologies appear to be a bid to mend relations with the powerful security agency and avoid potential litigation.
With this latest development, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between press freedom and responsible journalism, particularly when reporting on security matters.
PIONEER NEWS 