DSS Arrests Journalist Over Alleged Report on Impeachment Moves Against Senate President Akpabio
By Wisdom Tide
October 19, 2024
In a recent development that has raised concerns over press freedom, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested Edna Ulaeto, a journalist with OrderPaper, following her report on alleged impeachment moves against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Arrest During Raid on Journalist's Home
The arrest occurred during a raid on Ms. Ulaeto's residence on Friday, according to a statement from OrderPaper management. The DSS officers, described as armed and masked, forcibly entered her home, subjected her to rough treatment, and took her to an undisclosed location.
The management statement detailed how Ms. Ulaeto was forcefully taken away while still in casual nightwear, leaving her family and neighbors in shock. The incident has reportedly instilled fear in those who witnessed the raid.
Intimidation of Witnesses
The raid extended beyond the journalist herself. Neighbors who attempted to intervene or document the event were confronted by DSS operatives. According to reports, some bystanders were shoved aside, while others were forced to delete photos and videos under threat of arrest. This aggressive response has sparked concerns about the tactics used by the DSS during the arrest.
Allegations Tied to Article on Senate President
The arrest is reportedly connected to an article recently published by OrderPaper, which mistakenly reported a DSS operation at the National Assembly. The article claimed that the operation aimed to prevent the removal of Senate President Akpabio. Although the news outlet promptly retracted the article and issued a public apology, the DSS nonetheless proceeded with the arrest of Ms. Ulaeto.
Press Freedom and Human Rights Concerns
OrderPaper has condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on press freedom and human rights. The organization further alleged that Ms. Ulaeto’s phone number had been unlawfully tracked prior to the raid. The management has appealed to civil society groups and the international community to intervene and demand the immediate release of the journalist.
The arrest of Ms. Ulaeto has triggered outrage among media organizations, rights activists, and advocates of press freedom, who view the incident as a worrying trend in the intimidation of journalists and a direct assault on freedom of expression in Nigeria.
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