In a brazen display of disregard for the rule of law, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed an Ogun State High Court in Ilaro, arresting two defendants in a case despite warnings from the presiding judge.
The incident occurred during proceedings presided over by Justice AA Shobayo on Tuesday, in a case involving Alhaji Isiaka Fatai and Samuel Oyero, as part of a suit marked HCP/IC/2023 between the State and Awode Oladosu & 13 others.
The case stemmed from a crisis in the Agosasa community, Ipokia Local Government Area, over an Obaship tussle, resulting in property destruction and loss of life.
Counsel to Alhaji Isiaka, Kehinde Bamiwola, alleged that DSS operatives used excessive force during the arrest, with Alhaji Isiaka reportedly subjected to physical assault. Omololu Olusanya,
Principal Registrar of the High Court, corroborated the claim, describing the incident as shocking and a blatant violation of the court’s sanctity.
Despite the judge’s explicit order against arrests within the court premises, the DSS operatives proceeded with the arrest, even assaulting a court staff member, Mrs. Fadina, in the process.
Olusanya lamented the lack of identification by the operatives, stating that their appearance was akin to armed robbers, causing disturbance and chaos within the court.
When contacted, DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya remained unresponsive to calls and messages, leaving questions unanswered regarding the agency’s actions.
The raid has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the erosion of judicial independence and the rule of law, with legal experts and civil society organizations condemning the DSS’s blatant disregard for due process and judicial authority.
As investigations unfold, calls for accountability and respect for the judiciary reverberate amidst growing apprehension over the state of law enforcement in Nigeria.