NUJ Applauds DSS for Ordering Release of Detained Journalists

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, for ordering the immediate release of two Jay 101.9 FM journalists in Jos, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, who were recently detained while covering a funeral in Plateau State.

Marcus and Jang were arrested after posting a video on social media showing a confrontation between a cleric and security personnel during the funeral of the late mother of APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda. The arrests raised concerns in the journalism community as a violation of press freedom.

In a statement issued on Sunday, NUJ National President Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi praised Ajayi for his personal intervention, apology, and commitment to reform.

“We are encouraged by the decisive intervention of the Director-General of the Department of State Services, 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,” the statement read.

The union described Ajayi’s actions as a “positive and commendable shift” in Nigeria’s security culture, emphasizing that admitting errors and promising reforms would help strengthen public trust in the DSS.

While welcoming the development, the NUJ urged the DSS to maintain this approach and ensure journalists’ and citizens’ rights are fully respected.

“Press freedom is the bedrock of democracy, and journalists must never be treated as adversaries for performing their constitutional duties,” the statement added.

The union also called for institutional accountability, urging DSS and other security agencies to discipline officers whose actions undermine democratic values, while pledging to continue constructive engagement to promote professionalism and safeguard press freedom.