The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for releasing two journalists, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, who were detained following their coverage of an incident during the funeral of the late mother of APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.
The journalists, both reporters with Jay 101.9 FM in Jos, Plateau State, were arrested after posting a video on social media showing a clash between a cleric and security personnel at the funeral.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, NUJ National President Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi welcomed the release of the journalists, crediting the intervention of DSS Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, for their freedom.
Abdullahi highlighted the DG’s directive to security operatives to conduct proper investigations before making arrests, as well as his commitment to upholding citizens’ rights in the execution of duties.
The NUJ president called on the DSS to maintain this positive approach by ensuring that journalists are able to perform their work without fear of harassment or intimidation, emphasizing that press freedom is essential for a thriving democracy.
He also urged security agencies to implement accountability measures to punish officers who violate journalists’ rights and to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
Abdullahi reaffirmed the union’s readiness to collaborate with security agencies to promote professionalism, safeguard national security, and uphold constitutional freedoms.
