Journalist Edna Ulaeto Freed After DSS Detention Over Report on Nigerian Senate President
In a swift turn of events, Abuja-based journalist Edna Ulaeto has been released from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) after being detained over a report on an alleged move by senators to impeach Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The DSS had initially expressed concerns that the report posed serious national security threats and caused significant local and international embarrassment.
According to a statement from OrderPaper management, Ulaeto was arrested during a raid on her home on Friday by armed and masked DSS agents, who stormed her residence and mistreated her before taking her to an undisclosed location. The statement also revealed that neighbors who attempted to intervene or document the incident were pushed away, with some being threatened into deleting their photos and videos.
Despite OrderPaper’s retraction and public apology, the DSS proceeded with the arrest, leaving Ulaeto’s family and colleagues in a state of alarm and distress. However, the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) intervened and secured Ulaeto’s release on the same day.
In a statement signed by Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser & Head, Advocacy Committee IPI Nigeria, the organization acknowledged the DSS’s concerns but appreciated their decision to release Ulaeto. The statement read, in part: “The Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute is pleased to announce the release of Edna Ulaeto, a staff member of OrderPaper, from the custody of the Department of State Security (DSS).”
IPI Nigeria’s swift intervention has been seen as a victory for press freedom in Nigeria, where journalists often face harassment and intimidation for reporting on sensitive topics. The organization’s efforts have helped to ensure that Ulaeto’s rights were protected and that she was released from detention without facing further harm.
The incident has also raised concerns about the DSS’s treatment of journalists and the need for greater transparency and accountability in their actions. As Nigeria continues to navigate its complex political landscape, it is essential that journalists are able to report freely and without fear of reprisal.
Ulaeto’s release is a welcome development, and it is hoped that this incident will serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting press freedom and promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
