ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-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 of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, who were recently arrested while covering the funeral of the late mother of the All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya, said the union appreciated the intervention of the DSS Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, which resulted in the prompt release of the journalists.
It was learnt that the journalists had recorded footage showing DSS operatives stopping some pastors from entering the church premises where the funeral service was held.
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Security officials were screening attendees, and during the process, certain clerics were denied entry.
Marcus and Jang were detained after sharing a video report on social media that captured a confrontation between a cleric and security personnel at the funeral.
The incident sparked widespread concerns about press freedom and the right of journalists to carry out their lawful responsibilities.
The statement partly read, “We are encouraged by the decisive intervention of the DSS Director-General, who not only ordered their release but also personally reached out to the Union to tender his apologies.
He has also reiterated his directive to DSS operatives to conduct thorough investigations before making arrests.”
The NUJ president described this action as a welcome change in the culture of Nigeria’s security agencies.
“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 stated.
While acknowledging the development, Abdullahi urged the DSS and other security bodies to maintain this new approach and consistently uphold journalists’ rights.
“Press freedom is the bedrock of democracy, and journalists must never be treated as adversaries for performing their constitutional duties. We call on the DSS to institutionalise accountability by sanctioning officers whose actions undermine democratic values and constitutional rights,” he said.
He emphasised that sustaining such progress requires enforcing discipline within the agency.
Abdullahi also reaffirmed the NUJ’s commitment to constructive dialogue with security institutions to foster mutual understanding, enhance professionalism, and protect both press freedom and national security.
“We urge our members across the country to remain vigilant, courageous, and professional in the discharge of their duties,” the NUJ president added.