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 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 on social media that showed a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives during the funeral service. Their arrest sparked widespread outrage; news of the missing journalists went viral and prompted a public outcry.
Jay 101.9 FM’s management 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, initial attempts to secure their release were rebuffed but ultimately successful. The station 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. 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. While the journalists’ release is a positive step, the episode reinforces the need for security agencies to respect press freedom and uphold democratic principles.
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