DSS Arrests Investigative Journalist Adejuwon Soyinka Upon Arrival from UK
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested Adejuwon Soyinka, a respected investigative journalist and Regional Editor of The Conversation Africa, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The arrest occurred on Sunday, shortly after Soyinka arrived in Nigeria on a Virgin Atlantic flight from the United Kingdom.
The incident, which took place around 5:40 am, has raised concerns within the media and human rights communities, as Soyinka has reportedly been held incommunicado since his detention. A distress message sent by a close friend to this newspaper revealed that no reason has been provided by the DSS for Soyinka’s arrest, leaving his colleagues and loved ones in the dark about his whereabouts and well-being.
The friend, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed deep concern over the situation, stating, “Adejuwon Soyinka has been detained by officers of the Department of State Services at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Since his arrest, all attempts to reach him have failed, as messages and calls to his phone have gone unanswered.”
This development has sparked outrage among journalists and press freedom advocates who fear that Soyinka’s arrest may be related to his investigative work. The absence of a clear reason for his detention has only fueled speculation that the DSS may be attempting to stifle journalistic freedom in the country.
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When contacted for clarification, the spokesperson for the DSS, Peter Afunanya, claimed that he was not aware of Soyinka’s arrest. This statement has done little to ease the growing concern surrounding the case, as it remains unclear what charges, if any, are being leveled against the journalist.
Adejuwon Soyinka is widely recognized for his investigative reporting, which has often exposed corruption and wrongdoing at various levels of government. His arrest is the latest in a series of troubling incidents where journalists have faced intimidation, harassment, or detention in Nigeria, raising questions about the state of press freedom in the country.
As of now, the media community and civil rights organizations are calling for Soyinka’s immediate release and demanding that the DSS provide a clear explanation for his arrest. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Nigeria and highlights the critical need for protecting press freedom in a democratic society.
The situation is still developing, and the public eagerly awaits further information regarding Soyinka’s status and the reasons behind his detention.
Source: News points Nigeria
DSS Arrests Journalist, Soyinka On Arrival From UK At Lagos Airport
