Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has dismissed allegations that a “cache of arms and ammunition” was discovered in his office, calling it a fabricated attempt to tarnish his image.
Obasa, a six-term lawmaker, made this known in a personally signed statement in Lagos on Thursday, describing the claims as baseless, illogical, and an afterthought.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that several online publications (excluding LEADERSHIP) alleged that security agents uncovered 47 pump-action rifles and live cartridges in his former office on Tuesday. Following the alleged discovery, the Department of State Services (DSS) was reportedly notified, and operatives were said to have arrived to take inventory, initiating an investigation.
Reacting to the claims, Obasa, who served as Speaker for three terms, accused his detractors of fabricating falsehoods to damage his reputation. He labeled the reports as a hatchet job disguised as journalism, insisting that they were filled with gaps, unanswered questions, and outright falsehoods.
“The ill-conceived story, besides being a complete fabrication, exposes its author and sponsors as malicious individuals with a low intelligence quotient,” Obasa stated.
He further asserted that the DSS, acting on a voluntary invitation, would eventually uncover those behind the persistent blackmail aimed at discrediting him.
Obasa was removed as Speaker on January 13 following allegations of financial misconduct and gross impropriety, after which Mojisola Meranda was appointed as Speaker and Fatai Mojeed as Deputy Speaker.
In response to his ousting, Obasa filed a legal challenge at the Lagos State High Court. On Monday, chaos erupted at the Assembly complex when lawmakers and staff clashed with DSS operatives upon their arrival. The Assembly was briefly shut down, but legislative activities resumed after staff forced open the chamber doors.
In a later statement, the Assembly condemned the presence of DSS operatives, describing it as an attack on legislative sanctity and an obstruction of lawmakers’ duties.