The Department of State Services (DSS) has finally returned the seized passport of Adejuwon Soyinka, a former BBC editor, following significant international condemnation of his detention. This incident has sparked a global conversation about press freedom and the treatment of journalists in Nigeria.
Adejuwon Soyinka, who currently serves as the West African editor for The Conversation Africa, was unexpectedly arrested on August 25 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. He had just arrived from the United Kingdom when the DSS apprehended him, citing ‘mistaken identity’ as the reason for his arrest. This explanation, however, has been met with skepticism and concern from various quarters.
The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, a prominent organization advocating for press freedom, swiftly intervened in the situation. Their prompt actions led to Soyinka’s release within a few hours of his detention. Despite his release, the DSS retained his passport, effectively restricting his movement and causing further distress.
On Friday, after much anticipation and pressure, the DSS returned Soyinka’s passport. This handover took place at the DSS office located in Ikoyi, Lagos. Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who has been a vocal advocate for Soyinka’s rights throughout this ordeal, accompanied him to retrieve the document. Effiong expressed his concerns about the DSS’s handling of the situation, particularly their claim of mistaken identity.
“The DSS attributed the arrest of Adejuwon Soyinka to mistaken identity, which raised more questions than answers,” Effiong stated. He emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability within the agency, highlighting the broader implications for civil liberties and human rights in Nigeria.
Soyinka’s detention is not an isolated incident but rather part of a troubling trend of increasing attacks on journalists under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This pattern has raised alarms among human rights organizations and press freedom advocates both within Nigeria and internationally.
In recent months, several journalists have faced similar ordeals. Segun Olatunji, the former editor of FirstNews, was arrested in March under circumstances that remain unclear. In May, Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was detained for ten days, raising concerns about the arbitrary use of power by security agencies. Additionally, Jamil Mabai, a freelance journalist, was detained by the Katsina Hisbah religious police, further illustrating the precarious situation for journalists in the country.
Moreover, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has been implicated in the detention of several journalists and whistleblowers. These actions have been widely criticized as attempts to stifle free speech and investigative journalism, essential pillars of a democratic society.
The international community continues to watch closely, urging the Nigerian government to uphold the principles of press freedom and ensure the safety and rights of journalists. The return of Soyinka’s passport is a step in the right direction, but the broader issues of transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights remain pressing concerns that need to be addressed.
