IPI Nigeria condemns DSS detention of Soyinka
The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has publicly condemned the detention of Adejuwon Soyinka, a prominent journalist and the West African editor for The Conversation Africa.
Soyinka was arrested by officers from the Department of State Services (DSS) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on August 25, 2024, shortly after arriving from the United Kingdom. This incident is seen as part of a broader pattern of intimidation against journalists under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Details of Soyinka’s arrest
Soyinka’s arrest occurred around 5:40 a.m. as he disembarked from a Virgin Atlantic flight. Following his detention for approximately six hours, he was released on bail; however, his international passport was confiscated by the DSS as part of the bail conditions. The specific reasons for his arrest have not been disclosed, but it has been suggested that it may be linked to a request from another agency.
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The IPI Nigeria highlighted that Soyinka’s case is not an isolated incident but rather indicative of a systematic clampdown on press freedom since President Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023. The organization pointed out previous instances where journalists faced harassment and violence, particularly during protests against governmental policies such as the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria demonstrations. These actions are viewed as attempts to intimidate journalists and suppress their ability to report freely.
IPI demands
In response to this situation, IPI Nigeria has made several demands:
The immediate and unconditional return of Adejuwon Soyinka’s international passport.
A commitment from the federal government to uphold press freedom and cease further harassment and intimidation of journalists.
An advisory for journalists to remain vigilant while carrying out their professional duties.
The IPI’s statement reflects deep concern over the current state of journalism in Nigeria and calls for greater protections for media professionals.
