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Jay FM Condemns DSS Over Arrest, Detention of Two Journalists in Jos

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The management of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, has strongly condemned what it described as the arbitrary arrest and detention of two of its journalists — Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang — by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The journalists, who were assigned to cover the burial rites of the late mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, at the COCIN Headquarters Church in Jos, were released after several hours in custody.

In an official statement signed by the station’s Managing Director, Clinton Garuba, Jay FM expressed deep concern over what it termed “a disturbing pattern of press freedom violations, human rights abuses, and the erosion of the rule of law by security agencies.”

Garuba confirmed that the station made repeated efforts to secure the journalists’ release after learning of their detention, noting that the attempts were initially rebuffed but eventually successful.

“Our staff did what journalists are trained and ethically mandated to do — they documented an incident on video for public record and accountability,” the statement read.

The management described the DSS action as illegal, undemocratic, and unacceptable, insisting that the arrest constituted a violation of the journalists’ fundamental rights to freedom of the press, expression, and personal liberty as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights conventions.

“The press is not an enemy of the state. Journalism is a public service profession — our duty is to inform, educate, and hold power accountable, not to serve as mouthpieces of authority. To criminalise this duty is to criminalise truth itself,” the statement added.

Jay FM further called on the DSS to exercise restraint and respect democratic principles, reminding security agencies that Nigeria operates under a civilian government and their duty is to protect, not intimidate, citizens.

“This pattern of intimidation and repression must stop. It sends a chilling message to journalists that telling the truth may lead to persecution,” Garuba warned, adding that such actions undermine democracy and promote a culture of fear and impunity.

Reaffirming its commitment to ethical journalism, Jay FM stated that it “will not be intimidated or silenced,” emphasizing that press freedom remains the lifeblood of democracy.

The station also announced the cancellation of a press briefing earlier scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 2025, following the safe release of the detained journalists.

“We sincerely appreciate the support and concern shown by the general public, our listeners, and followers. Your solidarity has been deeply touching, and we draw strength from your continued support,” the statement concluded.

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NURTW commends Gov Mutfwang for road construction, rehabilitation

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The National Union of Road Transport Workers has commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the construction of new roads and the rehabilitation of existing ones in Plateau.

Yakubu Dalyop, chairman of the union in Plateau, gave the commendation when he visited the governor in Jos on Wednesday, accompanied by other officials and members from across the state’s 17 LGAs.

He said the rehabilitation and construction of the roads boosted the safety of drivers and passengers on the highways. He said it also boosted economic activity and improved the state’s revenue profile.

“We thank you for your visionary leadership. We appreciate you for showing courage, character and leadership.

“As primary stakeholders who spent their lives on the road, we are feeling the impact of your transformative administration. We deeply appreciate the extensive road rehabilitation and construction in the state. We, however, ask for more to ensure the safety of the motoring community in the state,” he said.

Mr Dalyop also urged the governor to introduce a soft loan scheme and transport interventions for drivers in the state to boost their personal incomes and the state’s overall income.

He also thanked the governor for the ban on illegal motor parks and affirmed the union’s support for the governor to succeed.

“We commend you for the ban on illegal motor parks in the state. The move has not only reduced insecurity but ensured sanity in the state. We call on you to ensure this effort is sustained,” the chairman said.

Mr Dalyop further called on the chairmen of the LGAs to construct standard motor parks in their localities.

Mr Mutfwang thanked members of the union for the visit and for their support in helping his administration succeed.

“We shall upgrade all the approved motor parks in the state; we shall also open trailer parks in key locations, too,” Mr Mutfwang promised.

The governor, however, advised commercial drivers to be vigilant and desist from being used as tools for criminal activities. He also called on the union to join the government in the campaign against the production and consumption of illicit drugs in Plateau.

(NAN)

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Unity Cup 2026 Brought Up Many Unforgettable Moments – Drew Uyi

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As dust settles on the aftermath of this year’s Unity Cup in London, the event’s brand ambassador, Dr Drew Uyi has hailed the four-nation invitational competition for bringing forth many unforgettable moments.

READ ALSO: Taekwondo Federation President Tayo Popoola Looks Forward To Nigeria Winning More Medals At African Championship

Sports247 reports that Uyi, who is a globally-acclaimed corporate strategist, business instructor and FIFA-licensed agent, further hailed the 2026 Unity Cup for providing a glamorous spectacle of cultural excellence and unity.

Uyi further praised the quality of football that was on offer at Charlton Athletic FC’s Valley Stadium, where Nigeria defeated Jamaica 3-0 in last Saturday’s final, four days after they deflated Zimbabwe 2-0 in the opening match at same venue.

While noting that the Eagles snatched a fourth consecutive Unity Cup title, Uyi pointed out that the competition is aimed at fostering peace, community development and cultural harmony among participating countries, which he says were all achieved.

He waxed lyrical about the competition’s success in terms of social interactions, cultural connections and football artistry, all of which Uyi affirmed have huge potential to get better and bigger with the 2027 edition already in planning stage.

 

“We celebrate an incredible tournament that saw Nigeria crowned champions again. It was a celebration of football, culture and community, as the Unity Cup 2026 brought unforgettable moments and united fans from across the globe.

“We say thank you to all the players, supporters, partners and volunteers who made this year’s tournament such a success. Even as works have started to make Unity Cup 2027 better and bigger,” Uyi enthused confidently.

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