DSS Arrests Sowore's Journalist Over Drone Allegation

(Zainab Sodiq. Photo Credit: TheCable)

The Department of State Services (DSS) says its operatives have arrested Zainab Sodiq, a journalist who covers the activities of presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, over allegations that she was found in possession of a drone “without the required documents.”

Favour Dozie, deputy director of public relations and strategic communications at the DSS, stated on Thursday that Sodiq was intercepted by operatives of Aviation Security (AVSEC) the armed wing of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) along with DSS operatives, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on July 6.

According to the statement, she was found with an “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) enroute Abuja from MMIA border control without an ‘End User Certificate’ (EUC).”

Dozie confirmed that the journalist is currently being held at the DSS’s national headquarters in Abuja.

The statement read in part: “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.

When confronted, she admitted to not being in possession of the required documents.

Following due process, Sodiq was allowed to board her scheduled flight in view of a prior engagement in Abuja. She was, however, directed to report on Wednesday, 8 July, for the continuation of the investigation.”

The DSS added that, in accordance with the NSA’s regulations, it has opened an investigation into the unauthorised use of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), noting that the rules give the service power to impound drones and sanction individuals or corporate organisations operating them anywhere in the country without prior approval.

The service explained that this action was necessary in light of growing security concerns both globally and domestically, particularly around privacy breaches and the safety of individuals.

Reacting in a post on social media, Sowore said: “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.”