The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has outlined the reasons behind its decision to honour the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, with a commendation award, citing his “unmistakable commitment” to press freedom since assuming office in August 2024.
In a statement released by the organisation, IPI Nigeria said the award recognises Ajayi’s leadership, which has marked a clear departure from past practices in which the security agency was notorious for harassment, intimidation and arrests of journalists.
According to the committee, Ajayi has fostered “remarkable restraint, professionalism and openness to dialogue”, ensuring that disputes between the media and the Service are resolved through engagement rather than coercion.
IPI Nigeria highlighted several cases to illustrate the transformation. Within hours of the organisation alerting the DG about the detention of journalist Adejuwon Soyinka shortly after Ajayi assumed office, he directed the Lagos Command to release him.
Similarly, the long-running watchlist placement of veteran journalist Lanre Arogundade — dating back to the 1980s — was permanently resolved after IPI lodged a formal complaint, with Ajayi ordering the removal of his name.
The institute also cited the case of an Order Paper newspaper staff member arrested over an inaccurate report about the DSS. Ajayi ordered administrative bail for the journalist, and following engagement facilitated by the DG, all charges were withdrawn.
In another instance, Ajayi intervened on humanitarian grounds to secure the release of a journalist detained over a personal matter unrelated to his profession.
IPI Nigeria further recalled that in February 2025, during a dispute over reports alleging DSS involvement in a Lagos Assembly crisis, Ajayi opted for collaboration and evidence-based engagement to resolve the matter peacefully.
In October 2025, without prompting, the DG ordered disciplinary action against officers who unlawfully arrested two journalists from Jay 101.9 FM in Jos, followed by an official apology issued by the Service.
“For these and other reasons, we are honouring Mr Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi today,” IPI Nigeria said. “We do so not only to acknowledge his commendable press freedom credentials but also to encourage him to do even more, and to inspire other officials and institutions to emulate his example.”
