The Department of State Services (DSS) has detained Zainab Sodiq, a journalist who covers the activities of former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, over her alleged possession of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) without the required documentation.
According to a statement by DSS spokesperson Favour Dozie, Sodiq was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos for failing to produce an End User Certificate (EUC) for the drone, a requirement mandated by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
However, Sowore has strongly rejected the agency’s narrative, asserting that the drone belongs to him for media coverage and claiming her detention is a pretext aimed at confiscating his international passport to frustrate his ongoing bail process.
Dozie confirmed that the journalist is currently being held at the DSS national headquarters in Abuja, where the agency has commenced investigations in accordance with regulations empowering it to impound uncertified drones.
“It is to be noted that, in compliance with National Security Adviser (NSA), Extant Regulations, which placed restrictions on acquisition and use of drones, Sodiq was intercepted while trying to board a flight to Abuja,” the statement reads.
“When confronted, she admitted to not being in possession of the required documents.
“Following due process, Sodiq was allowed to board her scheduled flight in view of a prior engagement in Abuja.
Reacting to the development in a tweet on X, Sowore said: “DSS has just arrested Zainab Sodiq, the journalist who covers my daily activities, and detained her at its headquarters in Abuja.
Backstory…
The journalist’s detention is the latest twist in the unfolding standoff involving Omoyele Sowore and the Department of State Services (DSS). The controversy began after Sowore was invited and later detained by the DSS over allegations linked to his recent political activities and social media comments about President Tinubu.
His detention sparked immediate backlash from supporters, lawyers and civil society organisations, who accused the DSS of attempting to silence a prominent opposition figure and demanded his unconditional release.
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