By Augustine Akhilomen
…,Says Arrest Linked To His Bail Process, Not Drone
…As DSS Confirms Detention Of Zainab Sodiq Over Alleged Unauthorized Drone
Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has alleged that the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested journalist Zainab Sodiq and is detaining her at its headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday night, Sowore claimed Sodiq, whom he described as the journalist covering his daily activities, was arrested solely for carrying out her professional duties.
Sowore further accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of targeting journalists and alleged that the government was acting out of fear.
“The DG of the lawless DSS, Tosin Ajayi, sent his goons to attack me at the Federal High Court last week. When it backfired, he turned around to claim he was “investigating” the same attack.
“After I spent nine days in Kuje Prison, his prosecutor, A.T. Kehinde, SAN, tried to have me sent back by falsely claiming I had not perfected my bail. When the Bail Unit confirmed that I had met the conditions, he still refused to certify my sureties as requested by the judge.
“When that scheme failed, the DSS arrested Zainab Sodiq, the journalist covering my activities.
“Yesterday, I was told that Tosin Ajayi had already struck a deal with Justice M.G. Umar to jail me regardless of my legal defence. I cannot independently confirm this claim, but I am putting it on public record.
“As for me, I am ready for the worst.
“The Tinubu regime will collapse, if it hasn’t collapsed already. A regime that closes democratic spaces, attacks journalists, persecutes opponents, uses compromised institutions to settle scores, and terrorizes citizens is creating the conditions for a mass uprising.
“The Nigerian people will not remain cowed forever. Repression has consequences!
In the same vein, 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.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the detention of one Zainab Sodiq over alleged possession of an unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said Sodiq was intercepted on July 6, 2026, by operatives of the Service and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Security (AVSEC) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while attempting to board a flight to Abuja.
According to the DSS, the drone was allegedly being transported without the mandatory End User Certificate (EUC), a requirement under extant regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) governing the acquisition and use of drones in Nigeria.
The Service said Sodiq admitted she was not in possession of the required authorization when questioned by security personnel.
It, however, explained that she was allowed to board her scheduled flight to Abuja because she had a prior engagement, but was instructed to report to the DSS National Headquarters on Wednesday, July 8, for the continuation of investigations.
“The Department of State Services (DSS) confirms detention of one Zainab Sodiq at its National Headquarters, Abuja,” the statement said.
The DSS added that its investigation is being conducted in line with existing regulations empowering the Service to impound and sanction individuals or corporate entities operating or transporting Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), also known as drones, without the necessary authorization.
The Service said the enforcement action was necessitated by growing global and domestic security concerns surrounding drone operations, particularly issues relating to public safety and privacy.
It reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and adherence to the rule of law while the investigation continues.