NUJ commends DSS for releasing journalists arrested at funeral of APC chair’s mother

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended Oluwatosin Ajayi, director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), for ordering the release of Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, two journalists with Jay 101.9 FM in Jos, Plateau state, who were arrested while covering a funeral event.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Alhassan Abdullahi, national president of the NUJ, said the union welcomes the prompt release of the journalists, describing the action as a “positive and commendable shift” in the culture of Nigeria’s security institutions.

Marcus and Jang were reportedly detained after posting a video report on social media showing a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives during the funeral of the late mother of Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Their arrest, Abdullahi said, raised deep concern within the journalism community as it represented “an infringement on press freedom and the right of journalists to perform their lawful duties”.

He said the NUJ was encouraged by Ajayi’s personal intervention, which not only secured the journalists’ immediate release but also included a direct apology from the DSS chief and a renewed directive for operatives to conduct proper 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,” Abdullahi said.

The NUJ president urged the DSS to sustain this approach and ensure that journalists’ rights — and those of other citizens — are respected at all times.

“Press freedom is the bedrock of democracy, and journalists must never be treated as adversaries for performing their constitutional duties,” he added.

While commending the development, Abdullahi also called for accountability within the security ranks and urged the DSS and other agencies to sanction officers whose actions “undermine democratic values and constitutional rights.”

“The NUJ remains committed to constructive engagement with security institutions to strengthen mutual understanding, promote professionalism, and safeguard both press freedom and national security,” he said.

He urged journalists across the country to remain “vigilant, courageous, and professional” in the discharge of their duties.