Journalist covering Sowore arrested by DSS over alleged lack of drone certificate

The Department of State Services (DSS) has explained the reason behind the arrest of journalist Zainab Sodiq, who is known for covering the activities of former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the agency said Sodiq was arrested for allegedly travelling with a drone without the necessary documentation required by law.

According to the DSS, its spokesperson, Favour Dozie, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, said the journalist was intercepted on July 6 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport by operatives of Aviation Security (AVSEC), the armed unit of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), alongside DSS officers.

The agency alleged that Sodiq was travelling from Lagos to Abuja with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, but did not possess the required End User Certificate (EUC), a document needed for the lawful possession and use of certain drone equipment.

The DSS added that the journalist is currently being held at its national headquarters in Abuja while investigations continue.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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 statement added that, in line with the NSA’s regulations, the service has begun an investigation into the unauthorised use of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS).

It noted that the rules empower the DSS to impound and sanction individuals or corporate organisations operating drones anywhere in the country without approval.

It said the action was necessary because of growing global and domestic security concerns, especially over privacy breaches and the safety of individuals.

In a post on X, 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.”

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