The management of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, has condemned what it described as the arbitrary arrest and detention of two of its journalists, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). The duo, who were assigned to cover the burial rites of the late mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, at the COCIN Headquarters Church in Jos, have since been released.
In an official statement signed by the station’s Managing Director, Clinton Garuba, Jay FM expressed deep concern over what it termed “a disturbing pattern of press freedom violations, human rights abuses, and the erosion of the rule of law by security agencies.”
Garuba confirmed that upon discovering that the DSS was holding the journalists, the management made several efforts to secure their release, which were initially rebuffed but eventually successful.
“Our staff did what journalists are trained and ethically mandated to do — they documented an incident on video for public record and accountability,” the statement said.
Jay FM criticised the actions of the DSS, describing the arrest and detention as illegal, undemocratic, and unacceptable. The station maintained that the act constituted a violation of the journalists’ fundamental rights to freedom of the press, expression, and personal liberty as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and international conventions.
“The press is not an enemy of the state. Journalism is a public service profession — our duty is to inform, educate, and hold power accountable, not to serve as mouthpieces of authority. To criminalise this duty is to criminalise truth itself,” the statement added.
The management further called on the DSS to exercise civility and respect for democratic norms, stressing that Nigeria operates under a civilian government and that security agencies exist to protect, not intimidate, citizens.
“This pattern of intimidation and repression must stop. It sends a chilling message to journalists that telling the truth may lead to persecution,” Garuba said, warning that such actions threaten democracy and foster a climate of fear and impunity.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, Jay FM stated that it “will not be intimidated or silenced,” insisting that press freedom remains the lifeblood of democracy.
The station also announced the cancellation of a press briefing earlier scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 2025, following the safe release of the two journalists.
“We sincerely appreciate the support and concern shown by the general public, our listeners, and followers. Your solidarity has been deeply touching, and we draw strength from your continued support,” the statement concluded.