The Conversation Africa has issued a strong condemnation following the detention and harassment of its West Africa editor, Adejuwon Soyinka, by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS). Soyinka, an esteemed investigative journalist, was held for six hours at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammad Airport on Sunday after arriving on a flight from the United Kingdom.

According to reports, Soyinka was informed during his detention that his name had been placed on a watchlist by an unspecified state security agency. The reasons for this action were not disclosed. Following prolonged questioning, Soyinka’s passport was retained by DSS officials while they awaited confirmation from the unidentified agency regarding their interest in his case. His release came after intervention from the International Press Institute, a move that has been widely praised for upholding journalistic rights.

In a statement released on Sunday, The Conversation Africa’s management expressed grave concerns about the impact of Soyinka’s treatment on both journalism and academic freedom. The platform emphasized that such actions undermine the ability of journalists and researchers to perform their duties without fear of retribution.

The statement reads, “Soyinka’s harassment will have a chilling effect, not only on journalism but on the academy, too. Both – media and academic freedoms, which are mutually beneficial – are key pillars of a free and democratic society. Journalists and scholars should be free to make facts public, however inconvenient those facts might be for those in power.”

The Conversation Africa’s response underscores the broader implications of Soyinka’s detention for the media landscape in West Africa. The platform has highlighted the crucial role of independent journalism and scholarly work in fostering transparency and accountability within democratic societies.

This incident has sparked significant debate about the balance between national security and the protection of fundamental freedoms. The press and academic communities have rallied in support of Soyinka, emphasizing the need for an environment where journalists and researchers can operate without undue interference.

The Conversation Africa’s statement reflects a growing concern about the erosion of press freedoms and the chilling effect such incidents can have on public discourse. The organisation’s call for an end to such practices resonates with broader advocacy for the protection of media and academic freedoms globally.