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DSS Releases Plateau Journalists Arrested During Tinubu’s Visit

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedOctober 5, 2025

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released two journalists from Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, Plateau State, who were wrongfully arrested during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state on Saturday.

The journalists, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, were reportedly picked up by DSS operatives while covering events related to the President’s visit for the burial of the mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.

A security source revealed that the Director-General of the DSS, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, ordered their immediate release upon learning of the arrest and directed that an apology be tendered to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

According to the source, Ajayi personally contacted the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, to express his regret over the incident, adding that an internal investigation has been launched to identify and discipline the operatives involved.

“The Director assured the NUJ President that the new DSS leadership values press freedom in a democracy and will sanction any officer found culpable,” the source stated.

It was further gathered that the DSS under Ajayi has been making efforts to address cases of operational excesses and ensure accountability and respect for human rights within the Service.

“The new DG is working to correct inherited wrongs, including overzealousness. He has shown a willingness to admit mistakes and offer apologies when necessary. We’ve seen several cases where the DSS has even compensated victims of wrongful arrests,” the source added.

He also described Ajayi as “a firm believer in human rights and press freedom,” recalling that the DSS had previously apologised to TVC management over the harassment of one of its reporters.

The release of the journalists comes amid renewed calls from press unions and civil society groups urging security agencies to respect the rights of media professionals while they carry out their duties.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.