Operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) made an unexpected appearance at a high court session in Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday, where they proceeded to apprehend two defendants. The individuals in question, Alhaji Isiaka Fatai and Samuel Oyero, were involved in legal proceedings under suit No HCP/IC/2023, titled “The State vs Awode Oladosu & 13 others,” overseen by Justice A.A. Shobayo.
The case revolves around allegations of arson initially reported by Akeem Adigun, also known as Socopao. The accused, including Alhaji Isiaka Fatai, Oyero, and twelve others, are implicated in this matter.
This incident is set against the backdrop of the recent turmoil in Agosasa, marked by property damage amounting to billions of naira and the loss of life, all stemming from a dispute over traditional leadership in the community.
In a statement from the counsel to Alhaji Isiaka, Kehinde Bamiwola Esq, he alleged that the men of the DSS operatives used weapons on the two, stressing 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, who confirmed the incident, described it as shocking and disrespectful to the rule of law.
He noted that even after the judge had ordered the operatives not to make any arrest within the court premises, they still proceeded to arrest the two persons.
“They still went ahead and did the act to the extent that they assaulted one of our staff members, Mrs. Fadina while doing that act. It’s a very sad issue that caused a lot of noise within the court premises.
“It was from the source that we heard they were DSS agents. If anybody sees them, one would think they were armed robbers.
“They did not wear anything identifying them as DSS, but they came to my lord this morning and said they had some people to arrest. That was when we knew they were DSS officers.
“ They approached the judge before the court session began. The honourable judge advised them that it must not be done within the court premises if they wanted to make an arrest.
“They could stay outside and do whatever they wanted, but they refused that advice and carried out the arrest within the premises,” he said.
