The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the detention of journalist Zainab Sodiq, saying she is being investigated for allegedly transporting a drone without the required government authorisation
In a statement issued on Thursday, DSS spokesperson Favour Dozie said Sodiq was intercepted on July 6 by officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Security and DSS operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while travelling to Abuja with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also known as a drone.
According to the DSS, Sodiq did not possess an End User Certificate (EUC), the document required under national security regulations for the acquisition and use of certain drones in Nigeria.
The agency said she admitted she did not have the required document and was allowed to continue her trip to Abuja because she had a prior engagement. However, she was directed to report to the DSS headquarters on Wednesday for the continuation of the investigation.
The statement noted that the investigation is being conducted under regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser, which empower security agencies to impound drones and sanction individuals or organisations operating them without the required clearance.
The DSS added that its actions were necessary because of the security risks associated with unauthorised drone operations, including concerns about public safety and privacy, while reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and the rule of law.
The confirmation followed claims by activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore that Sodiq, whom he identified as a journalist covering his activities, was detained to frustrate the perfection of his bail.
Rejecting the DSS explanation, Sowore said the DJI Mavic Air drone belonged to him and had been used to cover elections and other public events.
He stated that he informed DSS personnel at the airport that the drone was his and that Sodiq was only transporting it.
According to Sowore, he instructed Sodiq to leave the drone with airport officials and proceed to Abuja because she was carrying his international passport, which he needed to submit in court to fulfil his bail conditions.
He further alleged that Sodiq honoured the DSS invitation in Abuja over the seized drone but was detained upon arrival.
Sowore claimed the real objective was to prevent his passport from reaching Abuja in time to perfect his bail and return him to custody.
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