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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has lauded 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 All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.

The journalists were detained after posting a video on social media showing a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives during the funeral ceremony — an arrest that sparked outrage across the media industry and raised serious concerns about press freedom and journalists’ rights to perform their lawful duties.

In a statement signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the NUJ expressed appreciation to the DSS Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, for his prompt intervention, which led to the journalists’ immediate release. The union also noted that Mr. Ajayi personally reached out to the NUJ to apologise and reiterated his directive to operatives to ensure thorough investigations before making arrests.

“The decisive action taken by the DSS DG reflects a positive and commendable shift in the culture of our security institutions,” the NUJ stated. “The willingness of the Service to admit mistakes, offer apologies when necessary, and commit to reforms is an important step toward rebuilding public trust and confidence.”

The union called on the DSS to sustain this new approach by ensuring that journalists and citizens alike are treated with respect and that their constitutional rights are fully protected. It stressed that press freedom remains the cornerstone of democracy and that journalists must never be seen as adversaries for simply doing their jobs.

While commending the DSS for its response, the NUJ also urged the agency and other security institutions to institutionalise accountability by disciplining officers whose actions undermine democratic principles and fundamental rights. “Only by enforcing internal discipline can such progress be consolidated,” the statement added.

The NUJ further reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with security agencies to strengthen cooperation, promote professionalism, and ensure a balance between press freedom and national security.

It also encouraged journalists across the country to remain vigilant, courageous, and professional in the discharge of their duties.

The release of the two Jay FM reporters and the DSS’s conciliatory tone mark a significant development in relations between the press and Nigeria’s security agencies, often strained over issues of harassment and intimidation of media practitioners.

Full text the NUJ statement reads:

MEDIA RELEASE

*NUJ Commends DSS for Prompt Release of Journalists and Commitment to Press Freedom*

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) welcomes the prompt release of our colleagues, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, Plateau State, who were recently arrested while covering the funeral of the late mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.

The two journalists were detained following the posting of a video report on social media showing a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives at the funeral. Their arrest caused deep concern within the journalism community, as it represented an infringement on press freedom and the right of journalists to perform 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 in strengthening public trust and confidence in the agency.

The NUJ urges 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 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.

We urge our members across the country to remain vigilant, courageous, and professional in the discharge of their duties.

Alhassan Yahya ABDULLAHI
National President,
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)
05-10-2025