Breaking News: DSS Drops Charges Against OrderPaper After Public Apology
The Department of State Services (DSS) has withdrawn charges against OrderPaper and nine of its staff members, who were accused of publishing false information about a plot to remove Senate President Godswill Akpabio ¹.
Background of the Case
The charges stemmed from an October 16 report claiming that the SSS had laid siege to the National Assembly as part of a plot to remove Akpabio. This publication was deemed false and in violation of Section 24(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015, among other legal provisions.
Reasons for Withdrawal
The DSS dropped the charges following a public apology from OrderPaper on its website and other channels, along with interventions by key stakeholders on its behalf. A source from the DSS confirmed that the withdrawal demonstrates the agency’s commitment to ensuring Nigerians receive accurate information, protecting public interest, and not suppressing media freedom.
Key Individuals Involved
Among those initially charged were Oke Epia, OrderPaper’s Founder and Executive Director, and senior staff members Tony Okeke Ofodile, Edna Bill Ulaeto, and Elizabeth Atime, author of the contested report.
Controversial Arrest
The case took a dramatic turn when DSS agents arrested Ulaeto on October 18 during a pre-dawn raid on her home, sparking public outcry. The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) intervened, securing Ulaeto’s release later that day.
