AfriqueCAN
The Department of State Services – DSS, has released Adejuwon Soyinka hours after he was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
, a former editor of the BBC Pidgin Service,
This came as 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.
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 stated that Soyinka was held at the request of another agency. This incident is the latest in a series of attacks on journalists in Nigeria.