NUJ PRAISES DSS FOR RELEASE OF JOURNALISTS, LAUDS COMMITMENT TO PRESS FREEDOM

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the prompt release of journalists Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, who were arrested while covering the funeral of the late mother of APC national chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe in Plateau State. In a statement, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), welcomed the development, expressing appreciation for DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi’s decisive intervention leading to the journalists’ release.

Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi noted the arrest stemmed from a video report posted on social media showing a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives at the funeral, causing concern within the journalism community as it infringed on press freedom. “We are, however, encouraged by the decisive intervention of the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, who ordered their immediate release, personally reached out to the NUJ to convey his apologies, and reiterated his directive to DSS operatives to conduct thorough investigations before making arrests,” Abdullahi said.

Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi lauded Ajayi’s gesture as reflecting a positive shift in security institutions’ culture, emphasizing the DSS leadership’s willingness to admit errors and commit to reforms strengthens public trust. “The willingness of the DSS leadership to admit errors, apologise where necessary, and commit to reforms is an important step in strengthening public trust and confidence in the agency,” he remarked.

The NUJ urged the DSS to sustain this approach, ensuring journalists’ and citizens’ rights are respected, stressing press freedom is democracy’s bedrock. Abdullahi called for security agencies to sanction officers undermining democratic values, affirming the NUJ’s commitment to engaging security institutions constructively to promote professionalism and safeguard press freedom alongside national security. “We urge our members across the country to remain vigilant, courageous, and professional in the discharge of their duties,” Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi concluded.