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The Department of State Services (DSS) has initiated measures to sanction its personnel who apprehended and detained two female journalists covering the funeral service of the late mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday.
The journalists, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, both from Jay 101.9 FM, were detained after they shared a video report highlighting an altercation between security personnel and clerics at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Headquarters, where the funeral took place.
In a video posted on the Facebook page of Jay FM, some clerics were seen expressing their anger after being denied entry into the church.
Following the video's circulation, DSS officers swiftly arrested Marcus and Jang, taking them to an undisclosed location.
The arrest sparked significant outrage, prompting the radio station to issue a statement declaring that their employees were missing.
In response to the public outcry and the attention the incident garnered, the DSS was compelled to release the journalists.
However, despite their release, reports on Monday indicated that the agency plans to take serious action against the overzealous officers who detained the Jay FM reporters.
It was reported that the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, has ordered disciplinary measures against the officers involved in the arrest and detention of Marcus and Jang, assuring that the agency would not permit its personnel to take the law into their own hands.
A source within the DSS, who requested anonymity, confirmed the DG's directive, stating that although the actions of the personnel who arrested the journalists were a mistake and the agency has issued an apology, the DG has determined that disciplinary action must be enforced to deter similar behavior in the future.
The source added that the officers involved have been identified and disciplinary actions are currently being implemented in accordance with the DG's directive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the arrest of the journalists?
The journalists were arrested while covering a funeral service, specifically after they posted a video report of a confrontation between security personnel and clerics at the church.
What was the public reaction to the arrest?
The arrest of the journalists led to significant public outrage, prompting their radio station to release a statement declaring them missing.
What actions will be taken against the DSS personnel involved?
The Director-General of the DSS has ordered disciplinary measures against the officers involved, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable and must be addressed to prevent future occurrences.
