DSS Assaults National Assembly Officials, Sparks Protest

In a disturbing incident on Friday, two senior staff members of the National Assembly were allegedly brutalized by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). The incident, which occurred around 11:45 am, involved John Nnadi of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) and Chris Odoh, a deputy director.

According to eyewitnesses, the trouble began when the two staff members, attempting to move from the New Senate Building to the White House section of the complex, were stopped by DSS operatives and asked to identify themselves. Despite presenting their identity cards, the operatives claimed they had not properly identified themselves and blocked their passage.

A scuffle ensued, resulting in physical assault on Nnadi and Odoh. Passersby who attempted to intervene reportedly exacerbated the situation, leading to four additional DSS operatives joining in and forcibly dragging Nnadi and pushing Odoh towards the DSS office in the White House, about 125 meters away. The commotion drew the attention of staff from nearby offices, including Unity Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), and the Senate Press Centre.

In response to the incident, a spontaneous gathering of National Assembly staff formed outside the DSS office, demanding the release of the assaulted individuals. Among the concerned staff was a Sergeant-at-Arms, known for bearing the mace during Senate processions.

Efforts to de-escalate the situation were made by the Divisional Police Officer of the National Assembly, Alex Annagu, and Deputy Clerk to the Senate (Legislative), Mrs. Ilobah Isabella, who urged the crowd to disperse and return to their duties. However, tensions remained high as John Nnadi exited the DSS office, vowing to report the incident to the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Alhaji Sani Magaji Tambawal.

The gathered crowd then marched to the CNA’s office, chanting “We no go gree o, we no go gree” for about 15 minutes before dispersing upon discovering that the CNA was not present. Back in the lobby, the DPO continued to appeal for calm and advised Nnadi and Odoh to seek medical examination at the clinic to document any injuries sustained during the altercation.

Following the DPO’s advice, Nnadi and Odoh proceeded to the clinic for examination, and the crowd eventually dispersed around 12:35 pm. The police have pledged to investigate the matter thoroughly to determine the cause of the misunderstanding and the actions of the DSS operatives.