In a disturbing turn of events, The Conversation Africa, a South Africa-based online news platform, has denounced the harassment of its West Africa editor and investigative journalist, Adejuwon Soyinka, by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Soyinka was detained for six hours at the Murtala Muhammad Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, upon his arrival from the United Kingdom.
The DSS alleged that Soyinka’s name was placed on a watchlist by another unnamed state security agency, without providing any explanation.
His passport was withheld pending confirmation from the unnamed agency. The International Press Institute intervened, leading to Soyinka’s release.
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The Conversation Africa has issued a statement condemning the harassment, emphasizing its chilling effect on journalism and academia.
The statement asserts that journalists and scholars should be free to make facts public, regardless of how inconvenient they may be for those in power.
This incident raises concerns about press freedom and the ability of journalists to conduct their work without fear of intimidation or harassment.
The Conversation Africa’s condemnation serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting media and academic freedoms, which are essential pillars of a democratic society.
