Publisher of Oasis Magazine, Daniel Dafe Umukoro, has regained his freedom after spending nine days in the custody of the Department of State Services in Bayelsa State.
A source close to the media organisation confirmed the development on Wednesday evening but declined to give further details about the circumstances surrounding his release.
Umukoro, a pastor and media practitioner, was reportedly arrested on March 3, 2026, in Abraka, Delta State, by operatives of the DSS from the Bayelsa State command, who were said to have been accompanied by an official from the agency’s Delta State command.
Although the source did not disclose the exact reason for the arrest, it was gathered that the development might be connected to a report published on the platform concerning a lawmaker in Bayelsa State.
The source described Umukoro as a respected figure and expressed relief over his release.
“We are happy he is out of custody. He is a good man,” the source said.
Confirming his release in a social media post on Wednesday night, Umukoro wrote, “I am out now; God be praised.”
He also expressed appreciation to several individuals and organisations who supported him during the period of his detention.
Among those he acknowledged were the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Arthur Akpowowo; the Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Samuel Asagba; the Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State Governor, Festus Ahon; and the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council, Churchill Oyowe.
He also thanked members of his family, friends and associates, particularly Tony Arugba, for their support during the period.
“These things happen once in a while, but we will do all to avoid such next time by avoiding such pitfalls,” he stated.
As of the time of filing this report, Umukoro had yet to reunite with his family, as he had not returned to Abraka.
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