The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a legal threat to DAAR Communications Plc, owners of African Independent Television (AIT), and Channels Television, accusing them of broadcasting false reports that its operatives had invaded the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, February 17, 2025.
In a letter dated February 17, 2025, and signed by Chief Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, on behalf of the DSS, the agency demanded an immediate retraction of the story and a public apology from both television stations.
The DSS condemned the reports, claiming they falsely portrayed the agency in a negative light.
The letter, titled “False, Defamatory, and Malicious Publication Concerning the State Security Service (aka DSS) Regarding Their Presence at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, February 17, 2025,” called for both media houses to publicly retract the story and issue a formal apology.
The DSS has given the stations a seven-day ultimatum to comply, threatening legal action if their demands are not met.
The DSS further clarified that, contrary to the media reports, its operatives had been invited to secure the Lagos State House of Assembly following fears of a potential attack by hoodlums.
The letter further stated that the Assembly Clerk had reportedly sought the DSS and police assistance to ensure the safety of lawmakers during that period.
Despite this, the media outlets proceeded with reports suggesting that the DSS had invaded the Assembly in a “Gestapo-style” operation.
The service’s call for a retraction comes after similar accusations were levelled against the media in October 2024, when the DSS withdrew charges against an online news outlet, OrderPaper, and nine of its staff members.
This followed an apology from the outlet for publishing false information about a purported DSS invasion of the National Assembly.
Should AIT and Channels TV fail to meet the DSS’s demands, the agency has stated it will explore legal options to seek redress in court.
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