The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has praised the Department of State Services (DSS) for the swift release of two journalists, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang from Jay 101.9 FM in Jos, who were recently detained while covering the funeral of the mother of the All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.
In a statement on Sunday, NUJ National President Alhassan Yahya expressed appreciation for the intervention of DSS Director-General Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, which facilitated the journalists’ immediate release.
Reports indicate that the journalists recorded footage of DSS personnel preventing some pastors from entering the church where the funeral service was held. Security officials were screening attendees, resulting in some clerics being denied access.
Marcus and Jang were detained after sharing a video on social media that depicted a confrontation between a cleric and security personnel at the funeral, raising significant concerns about press freedom and journalists’ rights to carry out their duties.
The statement included, “We are encouraged by the decisive action of the DSS Director-General, who not only ordered their release but also personally contacted the Union to offer his apologies.
He has reiterated his instruction to DSS operatives to conduct thorough investigations prior to making arrests.”
The NUJ president characterized this gesture as a positive change in the culture of Nigeria’s security agencies.
“The readiness of the DSS leadership to acknowledge mistakes, apologize when necessary, and commit to reforms is a crucial step in building public trust and confidence in the agency,” he remarked.
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While praising this development, Abdullahi urged the DSS and other security agencies to maintain this new approach and consistently respect journalists’ rights.
“Press freedom is fundamental to democracy, and journalists should never be treated as adversaries for fulfilling their constitutional roles.
We call on the DSS to establish accountability by sanctioning officers whose actions undermine democratic principles and constitutional rights,” he stated.
He emphasized that enforcing discipline within the ranks is essential for consolidating such progress.
Abdullahi further assured that the NUJ is dedicated to constructive engagement with security institutions to enhance mutual understanding, promote professionalism, and protect both press freedom and national security.
“We encourage our members nationwide to remain vigilant, courageous, and professional in their duties,” the NUJ president concluded.
