News
BREAKING: Why we arrested, detained Nigerian journalist Adejuwon Soyinka – SSS
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The SSS arrested and detained Mr Soyinka at the airport in Lagos on his arrival in Nigeria from the United Kingdom early Sunday morning.
The State Security Service (SSS) has given the reason for arresting a Nigerian journalist, Adejuwon Soyinka, early on Sunday.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that SSS operatives arrested Mr Soyinka, who is the West African Regional Editor of the Conversation Africa, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 5.40 a.m. on Sunday, shortly after he arrived in Nigeria via a Virgin Atlantic flight from the United Kingdom.
The reason for his arrest was not immediately known.
SSS spokesperson, Peter Ifunnaya, also told PREMIUM TIMES that he was not aware of the arrest and detention of Mr Soyinka, the pioneer Editor of the BBC Pidgin Service
However, Mr Ifunnaya has said in an update he shared with PREMIUM TIMES that the SSS “intercepted” the journalist based on a request from another government agency.
We are working on Adejuwon Soyinka’s case,” he confirmed in a text message to PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday.
But he did not provide the identity of the agency on whose behalf, he said, the arrest was carried out.
PREMIUM TIMES learnt that, after his arrest, the journalist was driven from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to the SSS headquarters annex in Lagos.
An SSS source told this newspaper that that agency was still trying to reach out to the agency that requested his interception for further action.
The source said, in the event that the SSS is unable to promptly communicate with the agency requesting the arrest, the journalist would be released and asked to report back on Monday.
Initially, the award-winning journalist’s colleagues said they could not contact him as messages and calls to his phone have been unanswered.
The arrest comes about two weeks after the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests during which the SSS and the police operatives harassed and fired tear gas and live ammunition at journalists and peaceful protesters.
Some peaceful protesters arrested in their homes are still being held in custody, in an extensive government clampdown that is now targeting vocal protesters and organisers of the demonstrations.
Mr Soyinka’s arrest is the latest episode that mirrors the continued deterioration of press freedom in Nigeria.
The former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai was on Thursday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations bordering on unlawful interception of communications and threats to national security.
El-Rufai, who appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, denied all five counts contained in the amended charge filed against him by the prosecution. The case was brought by counsel to the DSS, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), who informed the court that the earlier three-count charge had been replaced with an expanded five-count amended charge dated April 13.
ifeanyi-Okowa-delta
According to the prosecution, the amended charges include allegations that the former governor unlawfully intercepted communications linked to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, without proper authorisation. He was also accused of engaging in activities involving technical systems that allegedly posed risks to public safety and national security.
El-Rufai, however, maintained his not-guilty plea when the charges were read in court.
At the proceedings, his counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed receipt of the amended charge and did not oppose its substitution for the earlier filing. The court subsequently struck out the initial three-count charge and proceeded with the new counts.
A key point of contention arose when the prosecution requested that the identities of two witnesses be protected through the use of pseudonyms, citing security concerns. The defence strongly objected, arguing that such a move would undermine the defendant’s constitutional right to fair hearing and to know his accusers.
The defence also challenged the prosecution’s request for consecutive hearing dates, stating that it could limit adequate access to legal representation, especially given El-Rufai’s ongoing custody under the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Additionally, the defence informed the court of a pending bail application, noting that an earlier missing affidavit had been recovered and submitted. While the prosecution did not oppose the bail request, it urged the court to dismiss a separate application filed by the defence seeking to quash the amended charge, describing it as lacking merit.
The defence further asked the court to compel the prosecution to disclose its proof of evidence to enable proper preparation for trial, but the request was also opposed.
After listening to submissions from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to May 18, 19, and 20 for hearing.
President Bola Tinubu has formally written to the Senate, seeking approval for a $516.3 million foreign syndicated loan to support the construction of the Sokoto–Badagry highway.
In a communication read by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday, President Tinubu requested a resolution in line with Sections 16 and 21 of the Debt Management Office (Establishment) Act, 2011, to enable the Federal Government to secure the financing for Sections 1, Phase 1A, and 1B of the project. The loan facility is to be arranged through Deutsche Bank AG.
President Tinubu explained that the superhighway project is a flagship initiative under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to enhance national connectivity, reduce travel time, and improve the movement of goods across key economic corridors.
The proposed 1,000-kilometre road will link Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos states, connecting Illela to Badagry.
He noted that the financing arrangement will be backed by a partial risk guarantee from the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), while the Federal Government will provide counterpart funding of over 265 billion naira for land acquisition, compensation, and related infrastructure.
According to the president, the loan is structured for nine years, including a three-year grace period, with an interest rate pegged at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange SOFR plus 5.3 per cent per annum. The Federal Executive Council has already approved the financing plan.
Following the presentation of the request at plenary, Akpabio referred the matter to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, directing it to report back within one week.
Endorsing the move, the Senate President said that it is better to borrow for projects to improve road safety and foster national integration.
Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT chapter, Comrade Abdullahi Shafa, speaking after the meeting of the union leaders with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, today.
He hailed the FCT minister for his quick intervention.
Watch:
Angry El-Rufai Protests Move To Shield Witnesses In NSA Phone-Tapping Case
Tinubu wants Senate’s approval of $516m fresh loan for Sokoto–Badagry Highway
FCT Teachers Strike: NUT Hails Wike Over Intervention In Education Sector(Video)
-
News22 hours agoBREAKING: Finally, Power Minister, Adelabu resigns from Tinubu’s cabinet
-
News12 hours agoAdeleke inaugurates 52-member campaign council for August guber polls
-
Sports12 hours agoMeet New Head Coach As Chelsea Sack Liam Rosenior
-
Economy12 hours agoFG, states, LGs share N2.036trn March revenue
-
Sports12 hours agoMan City Defeat Burnley To Top EPL Table
-
Economy7 hours agoSee Dollar to Naira exchange rate today, April 23, 2026
-
Politics12 hours agoDelta 2027: Warri Leaders Endorse Ereyitomi, Guwor, Calls for massive Support
-
News7 hours agoTwo soldiers wounded, 24 terrorists eliminated as troops repel attack in Yobe-Army reveals
You must be logged in to post a comment Login