The Department of State Services, DSS, has released two reporters of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, wrongfully arrested on Saturday, during President Bola Tinubu’s attendance at the burial of mother of the All-Progressives Congress national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwadta Goshwe.
The Director-General, DSS, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi personally ordered the immediate release of Ms. Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, who were on lawful duty at the church.
Credible sources said the Service also immediately contacted the national president of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya to convey the DG’s apologies.
“The Director assured the NUJ President that the new DSS leadership treasures the importance of a free press in a democracy and has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. He further assured the NUJ President that any officer found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned.
Also Read: DSS gets kudos awarding N20m restitution for wrongful arrests
“The new DG is correcting the wrongs he inherited. One of them is overzealousness. This is why the new DG has not failed to admit so whenever the Service makes mistakes. We are witnesses to several instances when the Service apologized and even compensated victims of wrongful arrests.
“The DG is an absolute lover of human rights and press freedom. You may recall that sometime ago, the DSS DG apologized to the management of TVC over the alleged harassment and intimidation of a reporter,” added the source.
Credible News recalls that the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria and a jurist and visiting Professor at the National Open University of Nigeria, Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye recently commended Mr Ajayi for awarding N20 million as compensation to Mrs. Chineze Ozoadibe and five other individuals wrongfully arrested.
HURIWA said the latest compensation, the recent judicial victory recorded by the DSS in the suit filed against Prof. Pat Utomi’s bid to float a shadow cabinet, and another against Omoyele Sowore, were testimonies to the DG’s faith in the rule of law.
Prof Omolaye-Ajileye lauded the DSS boss for demonstrating leadership, accountability, and respect for human rights, saying they reflect a commitment to transparency and the rule of law.
“The award of N20 million in total compensation to these wrongfully detained individuals showcases Mr. Ajayi’s total dedication to rectifying mistakes, building public trust, and upholding justice,” said the retired judge.
“This action sets a positive precedent for other security agencies to follow and underscores the DSS’s commitment to
protecting the rights of Nigerian citizens,” noted the retired jurist.
According to HURIWA, “the decision to challenge Professor Pat Utomi’s plan to form a shadow cabinet in court, rather than resorting to unlawful arrest or detention, is a significant step towards entrenching democratic principles.”
In a statement by its national coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA noted that the “DSS’ recourse to judicial interpretation marks a refreshing departure from the long-standing culture of arbitrary clampdowns on dissenting voices.
“By seeking judicial interpretation, the DSS has shown that law enforcement can safeguard internal security while still respecting constitutional freedom,” observed the NGO, adding, “this approach aligns with global best practices in democratic governance.”
On the new DSS culture of compensating persons wrongfully arrested, HURIWA noted, “These actions, the fourth that has become public knowledge, demonstrate that the DSS, under Mr. Ajayi, recognizes that mistakes are inevitable in security operations.
“However, what defines professionalism is the courage to admit errors and offer redress. We urge the DSS to codify these reforms into official practice directions so that the principles of compensation, accountability, and respect for due process become entrenched in the Service’s operations,” observed the NGO.
“The DSS has set a standard that others must follow; one where internal security is pursued without trampling on fundamental rights. If sustained, this new culture will enhance professionalism, boost public confidence, and consolidate Nigeria’s democratic values,” the group concluded.
Crediblenewsng.com
