Nigeria's DSS Confirms Detention of Journalist Zainab Sodiq

The Department of State Services has confirmed the detention of journalist Zainab Sodiq, stating she is being investigated for allegedly operating a drone without proper authorization. The agency said Sodiq was intercepted by its operatives and officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria's Aviation Security unit at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Monday, July 6, while traveling to Abuja with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

According to a DSS statement issued on Thursday, July 9, Sodiq could not produce the required End User Certificate for the drone. The agency said she admitted to not having the necessary documents but was allowed to board her flight to Abuja due to a prior engagement. She was directed to report to the DSS national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, July 8, for further investigation. The DSS stated its actions are mandated by regulations from the Office of the National Security Adviser, aimed at addressing security and privacy concerns associated with drone operations.

The confirmation came after activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore and the Take It Back Movement publicly accused the secret police of unlawfully...