The Department of State Services (DSS) has begun internal disciplinary action against its operatives who unlawfully arrested and detained two female journalists during the burial of the late mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, in Jos, Plateau State.
The journalists — Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang of Jay 101.9 FM — were picked up after sharing a video showing an argument between security operatives and some church clerics at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Headquarters, where the funeral took place.
In the footage, some clerics were seen protesting angrily after being denied access into the church. Shortly after the video went viral, DSS operatives arrested the reporters and took them to an undisclosed location.
Their disappearance sparked widespread outrage, prompting Jay FM to issue a public statement declaring them missing. Following intense public pressure, the DSS released both journalists.
Sources within the security agency have now confirmed that the Director-General, Adeola Ajayi, has ordered sanctions against the officers involved, describing their conduct as an “embarrassing overreach.” The DG reportedly emphasized that no officer is permitted to act outside the law or abuse press freedom.
The DSS insider noted that the agency has since apologized to the affected journalists and their employer, while disciplinary measures are already being implemented to prevent a repeat of such misconduct.
