Tribune, Blueprint Newspapers Apologize to DSS Over Misleading Lagos Assembly Invasion Report
The managements of Tribune and Blueprint newspapers have issued formal retractions and public apologies to the Department of State Services (DSS) over erroneous reports alleging that DSS operatives invaded the Lagos State House of Assembly during a recent leadership crisis.
In the wake of tensions surrounding the leadership of the Lagos Assembly, multiple media outlets had initially reported that DSS personnel stormed the complex. However, subsequent clarifications revealed that the Assembly’s management had invited the DSS to support security efforts amid fears of a breakdown of law and order.
Following the publication of the misleading reports, DSS legal counsel, Chief Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, wrote to the media outlets, demanding a public retraction and apology. While some media organizations, including AIT and Channels Television, had earlier complied and apologized, the DSS is reportedly still considering legal action against outlets yet to respond, such as Lagos Television.
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Responding to the DSS’s demand, Tribune Newspapers stated that the reports were based on misinformation but were promptly retracted when the facts became clear. In a letter dated March 19, 2025, and signed by Wole Efunnuga, Head of Legal at African Newspapers of Nigeria, the company confirmed that retractions and apologies were published across all of its media platforms.
“The Saturday Tribune of February 22, 2025, on page 23, carried the retraction and apology. The Sunday Tribune followed on February 23, 2025, on page 5, and the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, February 24, 2025, on page 19,” the letter noted.
“We have complied accordingly across all four handles where Tribune has its presence. We are grateful for your kind consideration in this regard,” the statement added.
Similarly, Blueprint Newspapers issued a letter of apology signed by Editorial Director Clem Oluwole, admitting the publication was made in error. The newspaper had claimed that DSS operatives locked the offices of the Speaker and his deputy to prevent access by Assembly members.
“We have since realized that the presence of your client at the premises was at the behest of the acting Clerk, via a letter dated February 14, 2025, to support existing security arrangements,” Oluwole wrote.
He added, “We know the implications of bringing such a critical institution to public ridicule. We fully retract the publication and sincerely apologize to the DSS for any embarrassment caused, as no malice was intended.”
The DSS has acknowledged the apologies and may now reconsider its next course of action regarding other media outlets that are yet to comply.
By PRNigeria
