DSS releases ex-BBC editor, Soyinka after hours of detention

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Adejuwon Soyinka, a former editor of the BBC Pidgin Service, after detaining him for several hours at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Soyinka, who is also the West African editor of The Conversation Africa, was arrested by DSS operatives on arrival from the UK on Sunday morning.

The reason for his detention was not disclosed, but it is believed to be part of a growing crackdown on journalists in Nigeria.

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

However, he later confirmed the detention, stating that Soyinka was held at the request of another agency.

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, a global network of editors, media executives, and communication experts, intervened in the matter, leading to Soyinka’s release.

This incident is the latest in a series of attacks on journalists in Nigeria.

Recall that in March, Segun Olatunji, a former editor of FirstNews, was arrested in Lagos. In May, Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was detained by the police for 10 days. Also in May, Jamil Mabai, a freelance journalist, was detained by the Katsina Hisbah religious police.

The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has also detained several journalists and whistleblowers over petitions filed against them.

Vanguard