By SpringNewsNG – February 19, 2025

Lagos, Nigeria – Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have allegedly uncovered a stockpile of arms and ammunition from an office within the Lagos State House of Assembly, reportedly used by Baruwa Idris Okeowo, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the embattled former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.

Political Crisis and Leadership Tussle

The discovery comes amid a tense leadership battle in the Lagos Assembly following Obasa’s removal as Speaker on January 13, 2025. A majority of lawmakers voted him out over allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and financial misappropriation. He was replaced by former Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, but Obasa insists that due process was not followed and maintains that he is still the rightful Speaker.

Tensions escalated on Monday, February 17, as heavy security presence was observed around the Assembly complex in Alausa, Lagos, during a plenary session. Security vans and personnel stationed both inside and outside the premises led to a mild confrontation when some security operatives attempted to access the Assembly chambers, delaying proceedings for several hours.

Discovery of Weapons by DSS

The DSS, reportedly invited by the Assembly leadership over security concerns ahead of February 18, conducted a routine sweep of the premises. Sources claim the operatives discovered a cache of 47 pump-action rifles and live cartridges neatly stored in an office previously used by Obasa’s CSO, Baruwa Idris Okeowo.

“The DSS, invited to the complex by the leadership, found a stack of newly acquired arms, including 47 pump-action rifles and ammunition hidden within the Speaker’s office space,” a source familiar with the situation told SaharaReporters. “The inventory was taken, and the weapons have been secured in DSS custody.”

Obasa Camp Dismisses Allegations

A source close to Obasa has dismissed the discovery as a deliberate attempt to discredit the former Speaker, questioning the timing and location of the alleged arms cache.

“He has not been invited by any security agency—doesn’t that sound suspicious?” the source said. “The same office where prayer warriors were invited, the same office where Meranda and other lawmakers held meetings—suddenly, guns appear? This is nothing but political blackmail.”

While DSS officials have yet to make an official statement on the incident, the discovery raises further questions about the ongoing power struggle within the Lagos State House of Assembly. Whether this latest twist will lead to legal action against Obasa or his aides remains to be seen.