DSS Releases Journalist Adejuwon Soyinka, Seizes Passport

The Department of State Services (DSS) detained investigative journalist Adejuwon Soyinka upon his arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Soyinka, who serves as the Regional Editor of The Conversation Africa, was taken into custody around 5 am on Sunday, August 25, 2024, after returning from the United Kingdom.

According to sources close to the former BBC Pidgin Editor, Soyinka was transported to the DSS office in Ikoyi shortly after his arrest.

Although he was released hours later, the DSS confiscated his travel passport.

The reason for Soyinka’s detention remains undisclosed, raising concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists in Nigeria.

A source confirmed to Channels Television that "the secret police seized Soyinka’s travel passport," but no further details were provided regarding the cause of his arrest.

DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya stated that he was not aware of the matter, adding another layer of mystery to the incident.