Journalist, Zainab’s arrest linked to my bail process, not drone – Sowore counters DSS

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has dismissed the Department of State Services, DSS, explanation for the detention of journalist Zainab Sodiq, alleging that she was targeted because of her role in his bail process and not because she was carrying a drone.

Sowore made the allegation in a post on X on Thursday, shortly after the DSS said Sodiq was being investigated for travelling with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) without the required End User Certificate (EUC).

He said contrary to the statement by the DSS, she was not arrested and detained because of any drone.  

Sowore claimed that the security agency had been after her for some time owing to their closeness. 

“I had publicly disclosed this concern months ago.  The DJI Mavic Air drone in question belongs personally to me,” Sowore wrote.

According to Sowore, the drone belonged to him and had been used for media coverage of elections and other public events.

He said he personally informed DSS operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport that the drone was his and instructed Sodiq to leave it behind and continue her journey to Abuja.

He claimed Sodiq was travelling with his international passport, which was required to fulfil bail conditions imposed by Justice M.G. Umar, and alleged that the real objective of the security agency was to prevent the passport from reaching Abuja and frustrate the perfection of his bail.

Sowore further alleged that Sodiq voluntarily reported to the DSS office after being invited but was immediately taken into custody without being allowed to settle the fare for the Bolt ride that conveyed her there.

According to him, his lawyers later contacted the Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi, who allegedly described Sodiq’s detention as a “routine screening” related to the drone.

He, however, claimed that the agency later changed its position and became displeased after he publicised Sodiq’s detention on social media.

Sowore accused the DSS of using state institutions to harass journalists, activists and government critics, alleging that the detention formed part of a broader pattern of repression.

The activist also levelled several allegations against the DSS leadership, including claims of abuse of power and attempts to suppress dissent.

DAILY POST reports that the DSS had earlier stated that Sodiq was intercepted by its operatives and personnel of the Aviation Security (AVSEC) unit of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria at the Lagos airport on Monday while travelling to Abuja with a drone allegedly without the required authorisation.

The Service maintained that its action was in line with regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser governing the acquisition and use of drones, adding that investigations into the matter were ongoing.

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