DSS Arrests Investigative Journalist Adejuwon Soyinka at Lagos Airport Without Stated Reason

Investigative journalist Adejuwon Soyinka, known for his role as the founding editor of BBC Pidgin Service and currently serving as the Regional Editor of The Conversation Africa, has been arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Lagos’ Muritala Muhammed International Airport. 

 The incident took place on Sunday, August 25, 2024, shortly after Soyinka arrived in Nigeria from the United Kingdom via a Virgin Atlantic flight. 

 In spite of the significant nature of the arrest, no specific reason has been provided by the DSS, leaving the matter shrouded in uncertainty.

 The arrest, which occurred around 5:40 a.m., has raised concerns among Soyinka’s colleagues and friends, particularly because he has been held incommunicado since the incident. 

 A distress message sent to Punch by a close associate highlighted the worrying circumstances, stating,

“Adejuwon Soyinka has been detained by officers of the Department of State Security at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. No reason has been given for his detention by the security agency. Soyinka has not been reachable, as messages and calls to his phone have been unanswered.” 

 This lack of communication and clarity from the DSS has prompted calls for a swift and transparent investigation to avoid unnecessary delays and prevent any unwarranted stigma from being attached to Soyinka’s reputation.

 When contacted for a statement regarding the arrest, DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya claimed he was unaware of the situation and thus could not provide any comments. 

 This further complicates the issue, as the lack of information and official acknowledgment from the DSS only adds to the uncertainty surrounding Soyinka’s detention. 

 It is imperative that the matter be addressed promptly and thoroughly, ensuring that due process is followed to clarify the reasons behind the arrest. 

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 This will help prevent any undue harm to Soyinka’s standing as an esteemed journalist and avoid any potential misunderstandings that might arise from his prolonged detention without clear caus