Shocking as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) invaded a State High Court in Ilaro, Ogun State, and arrested two defendants, sparking widespread outrage among legal circles and the public at large.
The incident occurred during the trial of Alhaji Isiaka Fatai and Samuel Oyero in a suit marked HCP/IC/2023, between the State and Awode Oladosu & 13 others.
Presided over by Justice A.A. Shobayo, the case revolved around allegations of arson reported by Chief Akeem Adigun (aka Socopao) against Fatai, Oyero, and 12 others.
The backdrop of the case lies in the recent crisis that engulfed the Agosasa community in Ipokia Local Government Area, resulting in the destruction of property worth billions of naira and the loss of life over an Obaship tussle.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of pandemonium as DSS operatives stormed the court premises and forcefully apprehended the suspects.
Kehinde Bamiwola, counsel to Alhaji Isiaka, condemned the actions of the DSS, alleging that the operatives deployed excessive force, including physical assault, against the defendants.
He stated, “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, expressing shock and dismay at the blatant disregard for the rule of law.
He recounted how the operatives ignored the judge’s directive not to make any arrests within the court premises, leading to chaos and even assaulting court staff members in the process.
“It’s a very sad issue that caused a lot of noise within the court premises,” lamented Olusanya, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Efforts to obtain a response from the DSS were unsuccessful, as Peter Afunanya, the DSS spokesman, did not respond to calls or messages at the time of reporting.
