Jay FM Condemns DSS Over Arrest of Journalists, Calls Out Threats to Press Freedom
The management of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of its journalists, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). The reporters were covering the funeral of the late mother of All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, at the COCIN Headquarters Church in Jos when they were taken into custody. Both have since been released.
In an official statement signed by Managing Director Clinton Garuba, the station decried what it described as a growing pattern of press freedom violations, human rights abuses, and disregard for the rule of law by security operatives.
Garuba revealed that while the station made immediate efforts to secure the journalists’ release, those efforts were initially ignored by the DSS. He emphasized that Marcus and Jang were simply doing their jobs: documenting events in the public interest.
“Our staff did what journalists are ethically and professionally bound to do — they recorded a public incident to ensure transparency and accountability,” the statement read.
Jay FM labelled the arrest as illegal, undemocratic, and a clear violation of the journalists’ rights to freedom of expression, press, and personal liberty, as enshrined in both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights conventions.
“The press is not an enemy of the state,” the statement continued. “Journalism is a public service. To criminalize it is to criminalize truth itself.”
The station further urged the DSS and other security agencies to act within the bounds of democracy and uphold the rights of citizens, rather than intimidate them.
“This continued pattern of harassment sends a dangerous message — that truth-telling is punishable,” Garuba warned, stressing that such actions erode democratic values and encourage fear and impunity.
Reaffirming its commitment to ethical journalism, Jay FM declared that it “will not be intimidated or silenced,” and vowed to keep upholding press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy.
The station also announced the cancellation of a planned press briefing originally scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 2025, following the journalists’ safe return.
Jay FM concluded by thanking the public, listeners, and supporters for their overwhelming solidarity:
“We deeply appreciate your concern. Your support inspires us to keep standing for truth.”
