The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the arrest of Adejuwon Soyinka, the pioneer editor of the BBC Pidgin Service and the current West African Regional Editor of The Conversation Africa, based on a request from another government agency. Soyinka was detained by DSS operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos around 5:40 a.m. on Sunday, August 25, 2024, upon his arrival from the United Kingdom via a Virgin Atlantic flight.
The arrest has drawn significant attention, with a friend of Soyinka sending a distress message to PUNCH stating, “Adejuwon Soyinka has been detained by officers of the Department of State Security at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The incident happened around 5:40 a.m. on Sunday, August 25th, 2024, shortly after he arrived in Nigeria via a Virgin Atlantic flight from the United Kingdom.”
Initially, DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya said he was unaware of Soyinka’s arrest. However, he later confirmed to Premium Times that the DSS “intercepted” the journalist based on a request from another government agency, although he did not disclose the agency’s identity.
According to a source within the DSS, if the agency that requested the arrest does not promptly communicate further instructions, Soyinka may be released and asked to report back on Monday. Following his arrest, Soyinka was transported from the airport to the DSS office in Lagos.
Before joining the BBC, Soyinka previously served as the media aide to former Governor Ibikunle Amosun. As the situation develops, the reason behind the arrest remains unclear.
