Press Council, NUJ Praise DSS for Respecting Press Freedom After Journalists’ Release
The Nigerian Press Council (NPC) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for releasing two journalists who were recently detained in Jos, Plateau State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the NPC, Dr. Dili Ezughah, said the gesture showed a positive change in how the security agency now relates with the media.
He described the release as “a refreshing turn” in the relationship between the press and the DSS, noting that the action by the Service’s Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, reflected maturity and respect for press freedom.
Ezughah said he was particularly moved by Mr. Ajayi’s personal apology to the NUJ President, Alhassan Yahya, over the detention of the journalists, describing it as a rare show of humility and understanding.
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According to him, “This new spirit of collaboration and mutual respect between the DSS and the media will go a long way in strengthening national unity and development.”
He urged journalists to uphold professional ethics by ensuring that their work remains factual, fair, and in line with the Code of Ethics for Nigerian journalists.
Meanwhile, the NUJ President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, confirmed that the two journalists — Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos — were released following the intervention of the DSS Director-General.
The journalists had been arrested after posting a video online that captured a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives during the funeral of the mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.
Abdullahi appreciated the DSS for its prompt action and urged the agency to continue to promote press freedom and ensure journalists can perform their duties without fear or harassment.
He also called on all security agencies to hold their officers accountable and to work closely with the media to promote professionalism, respect for rights, and national peace.
