DSS Finally Releases Detained Journalist

The Department of State Services (DSS) has finally released Kufre Carter, months after perfecting bail.

Recall that Carter, who is a journalist had been in detention for a month.

His lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, had accused the DSS of awaiting a directive by Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, before releasing his client.

He was said to have been arrested by the DSS and the police on April 27 after he had a phone conversation with an anonymous doctor.

It was said that the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dominic Ukpong, was castigated in the audio over his method of handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

The defence applied for bail and a N3 million bail was granted with one surety, who must be a Permanent Secretary with the Akwa Ibom State Government or a civil servant of Grade Level 17.

However, the defence applied to the Akwa Ibom State High Court for reduction and on May 18, Justice Archibong Archibong of the State High Court varied the bail conditions and reduced the bond to N200,000.

The bail was perfected on May 22 but the DSS refused to allow Kufre go despite the court order served on them

In a statement, Effiong announced that the journalist with XL 106.9 FM in Uyo was released on Wednesday after spending one month in DSS custody.

He disclosed that the Director-General, Yusuf Bichi, ordered the command in Akwa Ibom State to comply with the court order.