- Safiu Kehinde
The Department of States Service (DSS) has released the OrderPaper journalist, Edna Ulaeto, who reported the alleged impeachment plot against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
This was confirmed by the International Press Institute in a statement issued on Saturday by its legal adviser, Tobi Soniyi.
According to the statement, the IPI had intervened over the journalist’s arrest yesterday.
He was, however, released the same day following IPI’s intervention.
Meanwhile, the DSS expressed dissatisfaction with Ulaeto’s inaccurate report, stressing that it posed serious national security threats and have caused significant local and international embarrassment.
While the OrderPaper has retracted the publication and issued and apology, IPI urged journalists to always verify information before publishing and refrain from sensationalism.
The statement read in part; “Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) is pleased to announce the release of Edna Ulaeto, a staff member of OrderPaper, from the custody of the Department of State Security (DSS).
“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.
“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.”