DSS Apologizes and Frees Journalists Wrongfully Arrested in Plateau State

October 05, 2025 – Nigeria – 

The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a formal apology and released two journalists from Jay 101.9 FM in Jos, Plateau State, who were wrongfully arrested during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the state. The journalists, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, were reportedly taken into custody amid tightened security measures surrounding the burial ceremony of the mother of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to reports, the two journalists had been in the area to cover routine assignments when operatives of the DSS mistakenly detained them. Their arrest quickly drew attention from press freedom advocates and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), prompting widespread calls for their immediate release. Upon learning of the incident, the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, personally intervened and ordered that both reporters be freed without delay.

In a conciliatory gesture, the DSS leadership reached out to the NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, to offer a formal apology on behalf of the Service. The agency expressed regret over the incident, describing it as an unfortunate misunderstanding, and reaffirmed its commitment to respecting journalistic work and upholding constitutional rights. The DSS stated that it would launch an internal inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the arrest and to ensure accountability for any misconduct by its personnel.

Director-General Ajayi emphasized that the new leadership of the DSS is determined to strengthen professionalism and rebuild public trust. He noted that the agency recognizes the vital role of journalists in promoting transparency and democracy and pledged to maintain open lines of communication with media organizations to prevent future conflicts.

The apology was welcomed by the NUJ, which described it as a positive step toward improving relations between security institutions and the media. However, press advocates urged the DSS to translate its assurances into concrete policy measures to prevent similar abuses. The release of the two journalists marks a small but significant moment of accountability, highlighting the ongoing struggle for press freedom and the protection of journalists in Nigeria.

Reference – 

https://thenationonlineng.net/dss-apologises-releases-wrongfully-arrested-journalists/

https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/dss-apologizes-releases-wrongfully-arrested-journalists