The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Edna Ulaeto, a staff member of OrderPaper, barely 24 hours after she was taken into custody over an alleged report that personnel had invaded the National Assembly.
The purported invasion, according to the report, was to stop what it claimed was a planned impeachment of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The release of the journalist was announced by the country’s chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI), in a statement signed on Saturday by its Legal Adviser and Head, Advocacy Committee, Tobi Soniyi.
In the statement obtained by New Telegraph, IPI emphasised the importance of “adhering to journalistic ethics and accurate reporting”.
It reads in part: ‘Ulaeto was arrested on October 18, 2024, but was released the same day thanks to IPI Nigeria’s swift intervention.
“The reporter had inaccurately reported this week that DSS operatives invaded the Nigerian National Assembly as part of a purported plot to impeach Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“The DSS expressed concerns that OrderPaper’s publication posed serious national security threats and caused significant local and international embarrassment.
“The agency 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.
“IPI Nigeria acknowledges the DSS’s concerns and appreciates their decision to release Ulaeto.
“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”.
