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DSS Operatives. PHOTO CREDIT: Google
The Department of State Services has released the Abuja-based journalist, Edna Ulaeto of OrderPaper, over a report on the alleged move by the senators to Impeach its president, Goodwill Akpabio.
Operatives from the DSS had arrested the journalist during a raid on her home on Friday.
According to a statement from OrderPaper management, armed and masked DSS agents stormed Ms Ulaeto’s residence, mistreating her before forcibly taking her to an undisclosed location.
The statement also revealed that neighbours who tried to intervene or document the incident were pushed away, with some being threatened into deleting their photos and videos.
The paper noted that despite its retraction and public apology, the DSS proceeded with the arrest, leaving Ms Ulaeto’s family and colleagues alarmed and distraught.
However, the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute on Saturday said it had secured the release of the journalist.
The statement signed by the
Legal Adviser & Head, Advocacy Committee IPI Nigeria, Tobi Soniyi said the DSS expressed concerns that OrderPaper’s publication posed serious national security threats and caused significant local and international embarrassment.
The statement read, “The Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute is pleased to announce the release of Edna Ulaeto, a staff member of OrderPaper, from the custody of the Department of State Security (DSS).
“Ulaeto was arrested on October 18, 2024, but was released the same day thanks to IPI Nigeria’s swift intervention.
“The medium had inaccurately reported this week that DSS operatives invaded the Nigerian National Assembly as part of a purported plot to impeach Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“The DSS expressed concerns that OrderPaper’s publication posed serious national security threats and caused significant local and international embarrassment.
“The agency said it sought to understand from the reporter the reasoning behind the inaccurate reporting and potential sources of false information aimed at destabilising the country.
“IPI Nigeria acknowledges the DSS’s concerns and appreciates their decision to release Ulaeto.”
