Written by: Ubong Sampson – Uyo.
Following reports from scores of media platforms that three staff of a Nigerian broadcast station, Channels TV, were on Thursday arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), the station has officially denied any of its staff being arrested as reported.
According to the denied reports, Chambalain Usoh, Maupe Ogun-Yusuf and Kayode Okikiolu who are anchors of the station’s morning programme, Sunrise Daily, were arrested by the DSS after the station was queried by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over an interview session that made part of the programme on Thursday morning where a guest, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state made allegations against President Muhammadu Buhari in statements that apparently did not go well with the presidency.
In an official statement later same day, the media organisation clarified that no such arrest was made.
The station however added that the entire anchors were invited for a meeting by the NBC in Abuja and that they had since returned to unite with the crew and resume duties.
In a similar statement, the DSS also denied being involved in the matter, describing the stories as seen on social media as false and misleading.
The statement which was signed by the DSS’ Spokesperson, Peter Afunanya also warned purveyors of such misleading stories to stop.
“The attention of the DSS has been drawn to news making the rounds in some sections of the media that its operatives earlier today (26th August, 2021) arrested two (2) journalists of Channels Television. This is false and misleading. Fake news peddlers should shun the act,” the statement read.
