Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) caused a commotion on Friday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, manhandling two senior staff members. The victims were John Nnadi of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) and Chris Odoh, a Deputy Director.
The incident began when DSS personnel demanded identification cards from Nnadi and Odoh as they were moving from the Senate Building to the White House, the structure connecting the Senate with the House of Representatives building.
An eyewitness reported that the two National Assembly workers were stopped for failing to present their IDs. An altercation ensued when Nnadi and Odoh attempted to force their way through, leading to their rough treatment by the DSS operatives.
Attempts by passersby to intervene only escalated the situation, with the armed personnel dragging Nnadi and Odoh to their office within the White House Complex.
The incident drew the attention and sympathy of other National Assembly staff, including employees of the Money Deposit Banks and Senate correspondents present at the scene.
In response, staff members from various offices within the White House, including the Senate’s mace bearer, gathered at the DSS office to demand the release of their colleagues.
To deescalate the situation, the Divisional Police Officer of the National Assembly, Alex Annagu, and the Deputy Clerk to the Senate (Legislative), Mrs. Ilobah Isabella, intervened, urging everyone to return to their duties.
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