Panic at Anambra assembly as DSS attempts to arrest lawmaker

There was panic at the Anambra state house of assembly on Thursday as operatives of the Department of Security Services (DSS) attempted to arrest Onyekachukwu Ike, an outgoing lawmaker representing Nnewi constituency.

NAN reports that the gun-wielding DSS operatives entered the assembly complex in three vehicles without any visible identification indicating that they were security personnel.

They reportedly seized Ike who had just participated in a valedictory session of the seventh assembly and forced him into their vehicle, causing panic in the complex.

However, security operatives manning the assembly were said to have swiftly locked the exit gate, preventing Ike, who is a member-elect, from being driven out.

Ike was later released after the intervention of Uche Okafor, the speaker, and Onyeka Ibezim, Anambra deputy governor, who was present at the assembly to witness the farewell session.

Speaking with TheCable on the development, Ikenga Tochuchwu, police spokesperson in Anambra, said the “matter has been resolved”.

The police spokesperson said the security operatives were DSS members, adding that Echeng Echeng, the commissioner of police in the state also intervened for Ike’s release.

Peter Afunnaya, the spokesperson of the DSS, was not immediately available for comments when contacted by TheCable. Calls and SMS put through to his mobile phone were not answered or replied to.