The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Edna Ulaeto, a journalist with Abuja-based media outlet OrderPaper, following her detention over a controversial report. Ulaeto was arrested on Friday, October 18, in connection with an article that incorrectly claimed senators were planning to impeach Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
According to OrderPaper management, armed and masked DSS operatives conducted a raid on Ulaeto’s residence, allegedly mistreating her before forcibly taking her to an undisclosed location. The statement also reported that neighbours attempting to intervene or document the incident were pushed away, with some being coerced into deleting their photos and videos.
The arrest proceeded despite OrderPaper issuing a retraction and public apology for the erroneous report, leaving Ulaeto’s family and colleagues in a state of distress and alarm.
However, on Saturday, October 19, the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) announced that it had successfully secured Ulaeto’s release. Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser and Head of the Advocacy Committee at IPI Nigeria, issued a statement explaining the circumstances of Ulaeto’s detention and subsequent release.
The DSS expressed concerns that OrderPaper’s publication posed serious national security risks and caused significant local and international embarrassment. The agency sought to understand the reasoning behind the inaccurate reporting and potential sources of misinformation that could potentially destabilize the country.
“IPI Nigeria acknowledges the DSS’s concerns and appreciates their decision to release Ulaeto,” the statement read. The organization also emphasized the importance of responsible journalism and the need for accurate reporting, especially on matters of national security.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between national security concerns and press freedom in Nigeria, as well as the crucial role of media advocacy groups in protecting journalists’ rights.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
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