Details emerge on removal of Tinubu’s chief security officer

New details have surfaced regarding the removal of Luqman Adegboyega Fasasi from his position as Chief Security Officer (CSO) to President Bola Tinubu.

The announcement of his removal by the Department of State Services (DSS) came to light on Sunday evening, with initial explanations suggesting he was sent for professional training.

However, it appears that Fasasi’s removal is part of a broader reorganization of the DSS under the leadership of its new Director-General, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.

Appointed by President Tinubu in August 2024, Ajayi was tasked with restoring integrity and professionalism within the agency. Known for his expertise and competence in security matters, Ajayi’s reorganization efforts reportedly have the full backing of the President.

Sources indicate that Fasasi’s removal was driven by multiple infractions, including allegations of leveraging his position to secure numerous promotions within the service.

Reports suggest that he was promoted three times within a single year, advancing past more senior officers in the process.

“He was promoted three times within a year, even above some DSS officers who were his seniors,” a source said. “Some of these officers had been in the service six to eight years before him.”

It was also learnt that the new CSO, Lawal, was due for promotion to Director in July 2023, but his promotion was delayed by the previous service management.

“He is among the Deputy Directors who should have been promoted to Director in July 2023, but their promotion vacancies were given to juniors, including Fasasi, Koko, and Milad, due to favouritism,” another source said.

Additionally, Fasasi faced accusations of high-handedness, arrogance, disrespect, and alleged corruption.

“Fasasi stepped on many toes around the President,” the source said. “Even the President was not entirely pleased with how he managed the office.”

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