DSS Releases Journalists Wrongly Arrested, Tenders Apologies to NUJ

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The Department of State Services (DSS), has released two reporters of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, Plateau State that were wrongfully arrested on Saturday, October 4, 2025, during the visit of President Bola Tinubu for the burial of the mother of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

THISDAY gathered that on hearing that some overzealous operatives arrested Ms. Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, who work for the radio station, the Director-General of the Service, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, ordered their immediate release.

This followed a letter written to DSS by the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya.

The Service followed up the journalists’ release by contacting Comrade Yahaya, and also tendered the DG’s apologies.

A source close to the DSS said; “The Director General assured the NUJ President that the new DSS leadership treasures the importance of a free press in a democracy, thus ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.

“He further assured the NUJ President that any officer found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned. The DG is correcting the wrongs he inherited. One of which is overzealousness.

“This is why the DG has not failed to admit so whenever the Service makes mistakes. We are witnesses to several instances when the Service apologised and even compensated victims of wrongful arrests.

“The present DG is an absolute lover of human rights and press freedom. You may recall that sometime ago, the DSS DG apologised to the management of TVC over the alleged harassment and intimidation of a reporter,” the source explained.

Expressing its heartfelt appreciation to the NUJ, the Management of JayFM, in a letter signed the Managing Director/CEO of the station, Comrade Clinton Garuba thanked the national and state leadership of NUJ for their prompt response.

The letter addressed to the NUJ President reads: “On behalf of the management and staff of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, Plateau State, I wish to express our profound gratitude to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) National Body and the Plateau State Chapter for the unwavering support and solidarity extended to our colleagues, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, during their recent detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).

“Your prompt intervention and advocacy for their release underscore the strength of the journalistic fraternity and reaffirm the commitment to upholding press freedom and the rights of journalists.

“The Plateau State Chapter’s swift response and the National Body’s leadership in securing their release are a testament to the union’s dedication to protecting its members and promoting a free press.

“Your commendation of the DSS leadership for ordering their release and

the gesture of apology is a welcome development. We pray that this marks a new era of improved relations between security agencies and the media.

“We appreciate the NUJ’s commitment to constructive engagement with security institutions to strengthen mutual understanding and safeguard press freedom. Your efforts will undoubtedly contribute to a more vibrant and independent media landscape in Nigeria.

“Please accept our heartfelt appreciation for your camaraderie and support. Your actions demonstrate that together, we can build a Nigeria where journalists can operate freely and professionally. We look forward to continued collaboration and mutual support.”