DSS frees detained ex-BBC Editor, Adejuwon Soyinka
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The Department of State Services (DSS) has released a former Editor of BBC Pidgin Service, Mr. Adejuwon Soyinka, after detaining him for several hours at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).
His release followed intervention from the International Press Institute (IPI), a global network of media professionals.
Soyinka, also the West African editor for The Conversation Africa, was detained upon his return from the UK on Sunday morning. The reason for his detention remains unclear, but it is suspected to be part of a broader crackdown on journalists in Nigeria.
Initially, DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya claimed ignorance of Soyinka’s detention despite repeated inquiries from Vanguard. He later indicated that Soyinka’s detention was at the request of another agency. This incident is part of a troubling trend of harassment against journalists in Nigeria.
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The IPI condemned Soyinka’s arrest and called for the immediate release of his passport. In a statement, IPI Secretary Ahmed Shekarau and Legal Adviser Tobi Soniyi said: “We condemn the arrest of Adejuwon Soyinka by DSS officers in Lagos. Soyinka was taken into custody at around 5:40 a.m. on August 25, 2024, shortly after arriving from the UK.”
Following IPI’s intervention, Soyinka was released on bail after being detained for over six hours. However, his international passport remains withheld. The IPI views this action as part of a larger pattern of intimidation against journalists under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The statement further criticized the administration’s systematic clampdown on the press, noting that recent actions, including the arrest of Segun Olatunji and attacks on journalists during the #EndBadGovernance protests, reflect a troubling trend of repression.
The IPI demanded the immediate return of Soyinka’s passport and called for a commitment from the federal government to uphold press freedom and cease further harassment of journalists. They also urged journalists to remain vigilant and adhere to professional ethics.
