The Department of State Services (DSS) has released journalist Zainab Sodiq, media aide to Omoyele Sowore, following the intervention of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria).
IPI Nigeria confirmed that Sodiq regained her freedom at about 7:30 p.m. on Friday after she was handed over to the organisation’s leadership.
In a statement issued by the Institute’s Secretary, Malam Ahmed Shekarau, the organisation disclosed that Sodiq was initially detained after security operatives discovered she was travelling with a drone.
According to the statement, she was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Monday, July 6, 2026, while preparing to board a flight with the device.
Although she was allowed to continue her trip to Abuja, she was instructed to report to the DSS headquarters on Wednesday. Upon honouring the invitation, she was detained over allegations that she possessed the drone without the required End User Certificate.
Following discussions between the DSS and IPI Nigeria, the journalist was eventually released.
Reacting to the development, IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, welcomed her release and praised the DSS for responding positively to the organisation’s intervention.
“We are pleased that this matter has been resolved and that Ms. Sodiq has regained her freedom. We appreciate the DSS for responding to our intervention and for facilitating her release,” he said.
Mojeed also stressed that while security agencies have a responsibility to enforce the law, such duties should be carried out with full respect for journalists’ constitutional rights and press freedom.
He called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and media organisations to ensure that national security concerns are addressed without unnecessarily restricting journalists in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.
IPI Nigeria also thanked individuals and organisations that spoke out during Sodiq’s detention and reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom through constructive engagement with relevant authorities while respecting lawful security procedures.
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