Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Channels Television have publicly apologised to the Department of State Services (DSS) over their reports on the agency’s role in the February 17 crisis at the Lagos State House of Assembly.
During its News Hour programme, AIT retracted its initial report, clarifying that it was based on eyewitness accounts but admitted that the information was incomplete and may have misrepresented the DSS’s role.
“Our intention was not to malign or embarrass the DSS, an institution we hold in high regard. However, we recognise that our report may have been incomplete and unintentionally misrepresented the service. We regret any embarrassment this may have caused,” AIT stated.
Similarly, Channels TV, during its Politics Today programme on Friday, also apologised. The show’s anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, acknowledged that initial reports suggested an invasion by the DSS, but further findings revealed that the Lagos Assembly clerk had formally requested the agency’s presence for security purposes.
“I think it’s right to apologise to the DSS. The use of ‘invasion’ might not have been the correct word, as it gave a wrong impression,” Okinbaloye admitted.
The DSS had earlier threatened legal action against both stations, accusing them of publishing false reports. Through its lawyer, Adedeji Adedipe (SAN), the agency demanded a retraction and a public apology across all platforms for three consecutive days, warning of legal consequences under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act if they failed to comply.
