Operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) have apprehended journalist Edna Ulaeto, an employee of OrderPaper, during a dramatic raid at her residence on Friday morning. The incident has raised serious concerns regarding press freedom and the rule of law in Nigeria.
According to a statement from OrderPaper, a group of armed individuals, claiming to represent the DSS and the Office of the National Security Adviser, forcibly entered Ulaeto's home at dawn. Reports indicate that Ulaeto was still in her nightwear when the operatives allegedly mistreated her and took her to an undisclosed location.
"The young lady was violently manhandled and forcibly taken away to an unknown destination, leaving her family and neighbors in shock and fear," the statement detailed.
Further allegations suggest that Ulaeto's phone was unlawfully tracked prior to her arrest. This incident appears to be linked to a recent article published by OrderPaper, which mistakenly reported on a DSS operation at the National Assembly aimed at preventing the removal of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Although the publication later retracted the article and issued an apology, it seems that this has not mitigated the consequences for Ulaeto.
Witnesses claim that masked officers searched her home, rifled through personal belongings, and caused considerable distress to her family during the operation. Neighbors who attempted to intervene or document the situation were reportedly intimidated and forced to delete any photos or videos they had taken.
Notably, no formal notice or invitation was issued to Ulaeto or OrderPaper prior to the raid, raising serious questions about the legality of the operation. Efforts to contact Ulaeto following her arrest have been unsuccessful, heightening concerns for her safety.
"This brazen, terrifying act has left the entire staff of OrderPaper living in fear, uncertain about what could happen next," the organization stated.
In response to this incident, OrderPaper has called on civil society and the international community to demand Ulaeto’s immediate release, describing the raid as a blatant attack on press freedom and human rights.
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
2025 U-20 AFCON: Check Out All 8 Teams That Qualified For Quarter-Finals
Watch Loved-Up Moment Portable's Wife, Ashabi Shared With The Singer (Video)
Police Arrest Suspected Ritualist With Human Organs In Lagos
PHOTOS: Troops Arrest Notorious Gunrunners, Recover Arms In Kaduna