The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the arrest of journalist Zainab Sodiq, who regularly covers the activities of former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, for allegedly possessing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) without the required authorization documents.
Arrest at Lagos Airport
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 9, the DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, said Sodiq was intercepted on July 6 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, by operatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Security (AVSEC) and the DSS. According to the agency, Sodiq was found with a drone while preparing to travel from Lagos to Abuja without an End User Certificate (EUC) required under existing regulations.
Detention and Investigation
The DSS said Sodiq is currently being held at its national headquarters in Abuja while investigations continue. According to the statement, "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 agency added, "When confronted, she admitted to not being in possession of the required documents."
The DSS noted that Sodiq was initially allowed to board her scheduled flight because she had a prior engagement in Abuja but was instructed to report on Wednesday, July 8, for the continuation of the investigation. The service said it had commenced an investigation into the unauthorized use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in line with regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser. It stated that the regulations empower the DSS to impound drones and sanction individuals or organizations found operating them anywhere in Nigeria without the necessary approvals.
Security Concerns Cited
According to the agency, the restrictions are intended to address growing domestic and global security concerns, including privacy violations and threats to public safety. The DSS maintains that Sodiq's arrest is connected to an alleged violation of regulations governing the possession and use of drones in Nigeria.
Sowore's Allegation
Reacting to the development, Omoyele Sowore alleged that the journalist was being targeted because of her work. In a post on X, he wrote, "DSS has just arrested Zainab Sodiq, the journalist who covers my daily activities, and detained her at its headquarters in Abuja. Her only 'crime' is doing her job as a journalist. The @officialABAT regime is running scared. They are very desperate but it will not end well for DSS DG, Tosin Ajayi at all."
