The Department of State Services (DSS) in Nigeria has released two female journalists, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, who were arrested while covering the funeral of Nana Lydia Yilwatda, the mother of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe. The journalists, employed by Jay 101.9 FM in Jos, Plateau State, were detained after posting a video report on social media that showed a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives during the funeral service.
The arrest sparked widespread outrage, with the news of the missing journalists going viral and prompting a public outcry. The management of Jay 101.9 FM confirmed the journalists’ release in a statement, revealing that they were located at the DSS office in Jos after hours of uncertainty. According to the station’s Managing Director, Comrade Clinton Garuba, efforts to secure their release were initially rebuffed but ultimately successful.
The Jay FM management strongly condemned the arrest, describing it as an illegal and undemocratic suppression of press freedom. Garuba emphasized that the journalists were professionals simply doing their job by documenting incidents for public record and accountability. The station called on the DSS to respect press freedom and operate within the law, stressing that the press is not an enemy of the state.
The incident has highlighted concerns about press freedom violations, human rights abuses, and the erosion of the rule of law by security agencies in Nigeria. The Jay FM management reminded the DSS that the country is under civilian rule, not military dictatorship, and that security agencies exist to protect citizens, not intimidate or abduct them. The release of the journalists is seen as a positive step, but the incident has reinforced the need for security agencies to respect the freedom of the press and uphold democratic principles.
