International Press Institute secures release of OrderPaper staff from state security service

The International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria through a swift intervention has secured the release of the worker of OrderPaper, Edna Ulaeto, from the custody of the Department of State Security (DSS) following her arrest on October 18, 2024.

Penpushing reports that Tobi Soniyi Legal Adviser and Head, Advocacy Committee International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria made this known in a statement and urged media organisations to always verify information before publishing.

The statement made available to journalists on Saturday emphasized that media practitioners should refrain from sensationalism, emphasizing that truthful reporting is crucial for a stable society.

Penpushing further reports that it is recalled that the media outlet had inaccurately reported that Department of State Security (DSS) operatives invaded the Nigerian National Assembly as part of a purported plot to impeach Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The authorities of the secret police expressed concerns that OrderPaper’s publication posed serious national security threats and caused significant local and international embarrassment, and said it sought to understand from the reporter the reasoning behind the inaccurate reporting and potential sources of false information aimed at destabilising the country.

Penpushing also reports the world body of journalists Nigeria chapter acknowledged the Department of Security Service (DSS’s) concerns and appreciates their decision to release Ulaeto, emphasising the importance of adhering to journalistic ethics and accurate reporting,

‘We are hereby emphasising the importance of adhering to journalistic ethics and accurate reporting. While OrderPaper promptly issued a retraction and apology, we understand DSS’ argument about the damage already done to it and the country. We urge journalists to always verify information before publishing and refrain from sensationalism. Truthful reporting is crucial for a stable society’, the statement read.

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