HomePoliticsPoliticsFormer BBC Editor Soyinka Released After DSS Custody Ordeal

Former BBC Editor Soyinka Released After DSS Custody Ordeal

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has ended its hours-long hold on Adejuwon Soyinka, a seasoned journalist and former editor of the BBC Pidgin Service, releasing him from custody at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, a leading global advocacy group for media professionals, played a crucial role in facilitating Soyinka’s release, leveraging its vast network of editors, media executives, and communication experts to bring an end to the ordeal.

In addition to securing Soyinka’s release, the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria also demanded the return of his passport, which was confiscated during his detention, and expressed outrage over the arrest, citing it as a clear example of harassment against a journalist.

Adejuwon Soyinka, a prominent journalist and West African editor of The Conversation Africa, was detained by DSS agents on Sunday morning, immediately after touching down in Nigeria from a trip to the United Kingdom.

The motivations behind Soyinka’s detention remain shrouded in mystery, but media watchdogs suspect it may be part of a broader, ominous trend of intimidation and harassment targeting journalists in Nigeria.

Initially, DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya claimed he was not aware of Soyinka’s arrest, despite repeated telephone calls from the press seeking confirmation.

The International Press Institute (IPI) has vehemently denounced the arrest of Adejuwon Soyinka, calling for the immediate return of his passport and an end to the harassment of journalists in Nigeria.

The statement also cautioned journalists to be mindful of their surroundings and carry out their reporting obligations with steadfast commitment to ethical standards.

IPI in a statement by its Secretary, Ahmed Shekarau, and Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser/Chair, Advocacy Committee, yesterday, said: “We hereby condemn the arrest of Adejuwon Soyinka, by officers of SSS in Lagos.

“Mr. Soyinka was arrested and taken into custody in Lagos about 5.40 a.m., on August 25, 2024 shortly after he arrived Nigeria via a Virgin Atlantic flight from the United Kingdom.

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“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 is still holding on to his international passport.

“Although no reason has been given for his arrest and subsequent detention, we view the action of the SSS as part of a plot to intimidate and harass journalists by the President Bola Tinubu administration.

“Mr. Soyinka’s arrest and detention are not isolated cases. Since President Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, we have noticed a systematic clampdown on journalists across the country.

The Gestapo manner in which Segun Olatunji was arrested and flown from Lagos to Abuja is still fresh in my mind.

“During the #EndBadGovernance protests across the nation, journalists were directly shot at reminiscent of the dark days of the military.

“Hiding under the Cybercrime Act, the police have embarked on indiscriminate harassment and arrest of journalists.

“For the flimsiest reason, journalists are being invited or arrested. The plan is to stop journalists from carrying out their legitimate duty.

“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 the freedom of the press and stop further harassment and intimidation of journalists.

The statement also cautioned journalists to be mindful of their surroundings and carry out their reporting obligations with steadfast commitment to ethical standards.

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