The Nigeria Union of Journalists has commended the Department of State Services for the timely release of two broadcast journalists, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, who were detained while covering the funeral of the late mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.
The journalists were reportedly arrested following the circulation of a video clip on social media depicting a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives during the funeral ceremony. Their arrest drew widespread condemnation from media stakeholders, describing it as an affront to press freedom and the constitutional rights of journalists to carry out their duties without intimidation.
According to a publication on the official website of the union on Sunday, NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, expressed gratitude to the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, for his timely intervention, which led to the journalists’ immediate release.
The DSS Director-General also reportedly offered a personal apology to the Union and emphasised the agency’s commitment to upholding the rights of journalists and adhering to due process in future operations.
“This gesture represents a significant and commendable shift in the approach of our security institutions,” Abdullahi said. “The readiness of the DSS leadership to acknowledge missteps, extend apologies, and commit to systemic reforms is a welcome development that can help rebuild public confidence in our security agencies.”
According to a credible security source, on hearing that some overzealous operatives had arrested Ms Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, who work for the radio station, the Director-General, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, ordered their immediate release, The Nation reported.
The agency immediately contacted Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, the national president of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), to relay the Director General’s apologies, the source confirmed.