The Department of State Services (DSS) has released two Jay FM journalists — Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang — who were wrongfully arrested in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
The journalists were detained by operatives of the Service during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Plateau for the burial of the mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.
According to reports, upon learning of the arrest, the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, immediately ordered their release and personally reached out to the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to apologise for the incident.
A source within the Service confirmed that the DSS Director-General expressed regret over the actions of the operatives, describing them as “overzealous.” He assured that those responsible would face disciplinary action and reiterated the Service’s commitment to human rights and press freedom.
“The DG assured the NUJ President that the new DSS leadership values the importance of a free press in a democracy and has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. He remains committed to correcting the wrongs of the past and ensuring accountability within the agency,” the source said.
The DSS, under Ajayi’s leadership, has in recent months demonstrated a willingness to admit errors and take corrective measures. It has previously apologised and compensated individuals wrongfully detained under similar circumstances.
Meanwhile, the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, has commended the prompt intervention of the DSS DG, describing it as “a welcome development that reflects a positive cultural shift in Nigeria’s security institutions.”
In a statement, Abdullahi explained that the journalists were arrested after posting a video report on social media showing a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives during the funeral ceremony.
“Their arrest caused deep concern within the journalism community as it infringed on press freedom and the right of journalists to carry out their lawful duties,” he said.
“We commend the DSS leadership for promptly addressing the matter and for its commitment to reforms that prioritise accountability and respect for democratic values.”
The NUJ urged the DSS to sustain this new reformist approach by institutionalising accountability and sanctioning officers whose actions undermine fundamental freedoms.
“Press freedom is the bedrock of democracy. Journalists must never be treated as adversaries for performing their constitutional duties,” Abdullahi added.
He further called on security agencies to work collaboratively with the media to strengthen professionalism, promote transparency, and build mutual trust in the national interest.
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