The Department of State Services (DSS) has released two reporters, Ms Ruth Marcus and Ms Keshia Jang of Jay FM, Jos, Plateau State.
The two journalists were wrongfully arrested by overzealous operatives on Saturday, 4 October 2025, during the visit of President Bola Tinubu for the burial of the mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.
A source close to the secret service informed THISDAY that when news of the arrest reached the Director-General of the Service, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, he ordered their immediate release.
Further findings revealed that the Service followed up their release by contacting the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, and conveyed the Director-General’s apology.
“The Director-General assured the NUJ President that the new DSS leadership values the importance of a free press in a democracy, and he therefore ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.
“He further assured the NUJ President that any officer found culpable would be appropriately sanctioned. The DG is committed to correcting the wrongs he inherited — one of which is overzealousness.
“This is why the DG has not hesitated to admit when the Service makes mistakes. We have witnessed several instances where the Service apologised and even compensated victims of wrongful arrests.
“The current DG is a staunch advocate of human rights and press freedom. You may recall that some time ago, the DSS DG apologised to the management of TVC over the alleged harassment and intimidation of a reporter,” the source explained.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has applauded the prompt release of colleagues Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang of Jay FM, Jos, who were recently arrested while covering the funeral of the late mother of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.
In a statement, the NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, said the two journalists were detained following the posting of a video report on social media, which showed a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives at the funeral.
Their arrest, he noted, caused deep concern within the journalism community, as it represented an infringement on press freedom and the right of journalists to carry out their lawful duties.
“We are, however, encouraged by the decisive intervention of the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), 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.
“This gesture reflects a positive and commendable shift in the culture of our security institutions. The willingness of the DSS leadership to admit errors, apologise where necessary, and commit to reforms is an important step towards strengthening public trust and confidence in the agency.”
The NUJ therefore urged the DSS to sustain this new approach and ensure that the rights of journalists and other citizens are fully respected at all times.
Press freedom, he said, is the bedrock of democracy, and journalists must never be treated as adversaries for performing their constitutional duties.
“While we commend this positive development, we call on the DSS and all security agencies to institutionalise accountability by sanctioning officers whose actions undermine democratic values and constitutional rights. Only by enforcing discipline within the ranks can such progress be consolidated.
“On our part, the NUJ remains committed to constructive engagement with security institutions to strengthen mutual understanding, promote professionalism, and safeguard both press freedom and national security,” the president stated.
He also urged members across the country to remain vigilant, courageous, and professional in the discharge of their duties.
Linus Aleke
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