SSS releases Nigerian journalist, Soyinka, after 6-hour detention
The State Security Service (SSS) has released Adejuwon Soyinka, a prominent Nigerian journalist, after detaining him for more than six hours on Sunday. Mr. Soyinka, the West African Regional Editor of The Conversation Africa, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos upon his return from the United Kingdom.
The arrest occurred at around 5:40 a.m. when Mr. Soyinka arrived via a Virgin Atlantic flight. He was then taken to the SSS headquarters annex in Ikoyi, Lagos, where he was held until 12:30 p.m., when he was granted bail.
According to sources, the SSS decided to release Mr. Soyinka following the intervention of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria. However, his passport was seized as part of the bail conditions, and he was required to provide his Nigerian address and a reliable phone number.
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Mr. Soyinka confirmed his release in a text message to PREMIUM TIMES, stating, “I have just been released by the DSS (SSS) in Lagos. They are holding on to my passport, though. I am in an Uber ride ordered for me by the Deputy Director of DSS in Lagos.” He also mentioned that he would provide further details about his experience once he reached home.
This incident follows the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests, during which journalists and protesters faced harassment and violence from security forces. The arrest of Mr. Soyinka further underscores concerns about the ongoing decline in press freedom in Nigeria.
