NUJ Commends DSS for Release of Jay FM Journalists
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for ordering the release of two detained journalists from Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, Plateau State: Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang.
The journalists were initially arrested after they posted a video on social media detailing a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives.
The incident occurred during the funeral of the late mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, confirmed that the journalists were freed following the direct intervention of the DSS Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi.
The Union noted and appreciated the Director-General’s directive to his operatives to conduct thorough investigations before making arrests, along with his assurance of respect for citizens’ rights.
Abdullahi urged the DSS to sustain this positive gesture by ensuring that journalists are allowed to operate freely without intimidation, stressing that press freedom is vital to democracy.
He further called on all security agencies to establish robust accountability systems to sanction erring officers and prevent future violations of journalists’ rights.
The NUJ President concluded by reaffirming the union’s commitment to collaborating with security institutions to promote professionalism, national security, and respect for constitutional freedoms.
