“Gun Stash Shocks Lagos Assembly: Blackmail or Genuine Find?”

Tension escalates at the Lagos State House of Assembly as operatives from the Department of State Security (DSS) allegedly discovered a significant arms cache hidden in an office linked to Baruwa Idris Okeowo, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the controversial former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.

In the midst of an ongoing leadership battle following Obasa’s removal on January 13, 2025, the discovery has ignited new drama. Obasa, ousted over allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement, continues to claim his position as the rightful Speaker, even after being replaced by Mojisola Meranda.

Things took a bizarre turn earlier this week when the Lagos Assembly was heavily guarded by DSS officers, following concerns about Obasa’s return. The security buildup disrupted the plenary session, delaying proceedings for hours. The Assembly leadership had requested the DSS to ramp up security in anticipation of Obasa’s potential comeback.

However, the real shock came after the session. DSS operatives, conducting their routine security sweep, uncovered a stockpile of 47 pump action rifles and live ammunition hidden within the office once used by Obasa’s CSO. This stunning discovery has only added fuel to the already fiery political tensions at the Assembly.

Sources reveal the weapons were carefully stashed in a space formerly occupied by Baruwa Idris Okeowo, who has been a close associate of Obasa. The DSS has since taken the arms into custody, though they’ve yet to formally involve Obasa in any investigations.

While Meranda’s supporters may see this as a significant blow to Obasa’s camp, those close to the former Speaker have dismissed the discovery as “a joke taken too far,” labeling it a strategic attempt at blackmail. A source close to Obasa questioned the timing of the find, pointing out that the very office where the weapons were found had been used by multiple Assembly members, including Meranda herself, for meetings. “How could arms have been there all this time without anyone noticing?” the source asked.

As the saga unfolds, questions remain over the true motives behind the discovery, and whether it will further escalate the already fragile political situation in the Lagos Assembly.