DSS RELEASES SOWORE’S MEDIA AIDE ZAINAB SODIQ AFTER IPI NIGERIA INTERVENTION
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By: Muftau Fatimo
The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Zainab Sodiq, media aide to activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore, to the leadership of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) after she was detained over possession of a drone.
IPI Nigeria Secretary, Malam Ahmed Shekarau, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that Sodiq was handed over to the institute’s leadership at about 7:30 p.m. on Friday following its intervention.
According to the statement, Sodiq was intercepted by security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Monday, July 6, 2026, while preparing to travel with the drone.
She was initially allowed to proceed to Abuja but was later directed to report at the DSS headquarters on Wednesday, where she was detained for allegedly possessing the device without the required End User Certificate.
IPI Nigeria confirmed that Sodiq had regained her freedom after engagements with the security agency.
The President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, welcomed her release, commending the DSS for responding to the institute’s intervention.
Mojeed stressed the need for security agencies to carry out their duties while respecting the constitutional rights of journalists and citizens, urging continued dialogue between security authorities and the media.
The institute also appreciated individuals and organisations that expressed concern over Sodiq’s detention and supported efforts towards securing her release.
IPI Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to protecting press freedom while acknowledging legitimate national security concerns within the framework of the law and respect for fundamental human rights.
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