The Department of State Services (DSS) has explained why journalist Zainab Sodiq, who reports on the activities of presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, was arrested, saying it was over the alleged possession of a drone without the required authorisation documents.
In a statement released on Thursday, July 9, the DSS said Sodiq was stopped on July 6 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, by officers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Security (AVSEC) and the DSS while preparing to travel to Abuja.
According to the agency, Sodiq was found carrying an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) but did not have the End User Certificate (EUC) required under Nigeria's regulations for owning and operating drones. The DSS said she admitted she did not have the necessary documents.
The agency stated that although she was initially allowed to continue her trip because of an engagement in Abuja, she was directed to report for further questioning on July 8. She is currently being held at the DSS national headquarters in Abuja as investigations continue.
The DSS said it is investigating the alleged unauthorised use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in line with regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). It added that the rules empower the agency to seize drones and sanction anyone operating them in Nigeria without proper approval.
According to the security agency, the restrictions are designed to address growing security concerns, including privacy violations and threats to public safety.
Reacting to the arrest, Omoyele Sowore claimed the journalist was being targeted because of her work covering his activities. However, the DSS insisted that Sodiq's arrest is solely related to the alleged violation of Nigeria's drone possession and operation regulations.
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