DSS operatives storm Ogun court, arrest two defendants on trial despite judge's orders. Incident sparks outrage over disregard for rule of law, alleged excessive force used. Raises concerns about judicial independence.
Chaos erupted at a State High Court in Ilaro, Ogun State, as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the premises and arrested two defendants, Alhaji Isiaka Fatai and Samuel Oyero, who were standing trial. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the disregard for the rule of law.
The defendants were facing charges in a case related to an alleged arson incident reported by Chief Akeem Adigun against Alhaji Isiaka Fatai, Oyero, and 12 others. The case stemmed from a recent crisis in the Agosasa community, where property worth billions of naira was destroyed, and a life was lost due to a chieftaincy dispute.
According to reports, the court proceedings were disrupted when DSS operatives entered the courtroom and apprehended the two defendants, despite the presiding judge, Justice A.A. Shobayo, explicitly instructing them not to make any arrests within the court premises. Kehinde Bamiwola, the counsel representing Alhaji Isiaka, alleged that the DSS operatives used excessive force, including weapons, during the arrest. He stated that Alhaji Isiaka Fatai was "beaten, slapped, man-handled, rough-handled, and molested."
The Principal Registrar of the High Court and Sectional Head of High Court, Ilaro, Comrade Omololu Olusanya, confirmed the incident and described it as "shocking and disrespectful to the rule of law." He further revealed that the operatives disregarded the judge's orders and assaulted a court staff member, Mrs. Fadina, during the arrest.
Olusanya expressed concern over the lack of proper identification worn by the operatives, stating that "if anybody sees them, one would think they were armed robbers." Attempts to reach Peter Afunanya, the DSS spokesman, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
