DSS releases investigative journalist Soyinka on bail, gives reasons for his detention

Adejuwon Soyinka, The Conversation Africa Regional Editor and investigative journalist, has been released on bail after being detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Soyinka was arrested shortly after arriving from Britain, and his detention sparked widespread concern among colleagues, press freedom advocates and the general public.

DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya initially denied knowledge of Soyinka’s arrest, but the journalist was later released from the DSS Ikoyi office following intervention by the International Press Institute (IPI) of Nigeria.

Soyinka’s passport was confiscated by the DSS, and his release was confirmed by a friend who stated that he was held for more than six hours.

The agency also said Soyinka was detained at the request of a foreign agency. However, it declined to provide further details on the name of the agency, or his country of origin.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) expressed concern about Soyinka’s arrest on their X account, stating:

“The Tinubu government must immediately release journalist Adejuwon Soyinka who was reportedly arrested by the DSS at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport today… The government must end the persecution of journalists simply for doing their jobs… We fear that Soyinka’s arrest is part of a wider crackdown on journalists, whistleblowers and human rights defenders in Nigeria.”

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria in a statement by its secretary, Ahmed Shekarau, and Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser/Chairman, Advocacy Committee also condemned Soyinka’s arrest, stating that “Following the intervention of IPI Nigeria, the SSS released Mr. Soyinka on bail after detaining him for not less than six hours.

“However, the secret police still hold his international passport.

ALSO READ:DSS arrests investigative journalist Soyinka at Lagos airport, raising concerns over press freedom

“While no reason was given for his arrest and detention, we see the SSS’s actions as part of a plan to intimidate and harass journalists by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“The arrest and detention of Mr Soyinka is not an isolated case.

“-Since President Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023, we have seen a systematic crackdown on journalists across the country.

“The gestapo methods used by Segun Olatunji to arrest and fly him from Lagos to Abuja are still fresh in the memory.

“During the #ENDBADGOVERNANCEINNIGERIA protests across the country, journalists were shot at point blank which reminds us of the dark days of the military.

“Under the guise of the Cyber ​​Crimes Act, the police have been indiscriminately harassing and arresting journalists.

“For very flimsy reasons, journalists are invited or arrested. The plan is to stop journalists from carrying out their legitimate duties.

“We hereby demand the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Soyinka’s international passport.

“We also demand a commitment from the federal government to uphold press freedom and stop further harassment and intimidation of journalists.

“In essence, we advise journalists to always be vigilant and carry out their journalistic duties with the highest commitment to professional ethics.”

By Olamide Ayoade

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