Court grants bail to Lagos Assembly workers over alleged assault

Drama as suspended Clerk attempts to resume office

A federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, granted bail to three members of staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly, who were alleged to have assaulted operatives of the State Security Services (SSS) on February 17, 2025.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

However, following their plea of not guilty to the charges, Justice Daniel Osiagor adjourned the trial to April 24, 2025.

The prosecutor, M. O. Bajela, had earlier asked the court for a trial date but the defendants’ lawyer, Frank Eke, informed the court that he had filed their bail applications and the same had been served on the prosecutor.

Eke described the prosecution of his clients as “collateral damages.” He pleaded with the court to admit them to bail in the most liberal terms.

But responding, the prosecutor told the court that he was served with the bail application while in court. He, however, urged the court to rule on the bail issues based on its discretion.

Justice Osiagor, therefore, admitted each of the defendants to N3 million with one surety each and ordered that the surety must be a Grade Level 12 and above.

IN another development, the House has condemned the unauthorised and forceful entry of the suspended Clerk, Olalekan Biliaminu Onafeko, into the Assembly premises following the announcement of his suspension on the floor of the House by two-thirds of the members.

According to the Chief Security Officer, Kushoro Kabir Idowu, Onafeko came into the premises with unknown men and blocked the Assembly staff gate with his car. He later went to the Clerk’s Office with the intent to break into the office.

“This act of defiance constitutes a clear disregard for legislative protocols and security regulations. The leadership of the House views this action as an affront to the integrity of the institution and will take all necessary steps to uphold discipline and order within its premises,” he said.