Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has rejected the Department of State Services's explanation for the detention of journalist Zainab Sodiq, alleging that she was targeted over her involvement in his bail process rather than for travelling with a drone.
In a post on X on Thursday, Sowore said the agency's claim that Sodiq was detained for travelling with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) without the required End User Certificate (EUC) was false.
According to Sowore, the DJI Mavic Air cited by the DSS belongs to him and has been used to cover elections and other public events. He said he informed DSS operatives at Murtala Muhammed International Airport that the drone was his and instructed Sodiq to leave it behind before continuing her journey to Abuja.
Sowore alleged that Sodiq was travelling with his international passport, which he said was needed to meet bail conditions imposed by Justice M. G. Umar. He claimed the real objective of the operation was to prevent the passport from reaching Abuja and delay the completion of his bail process.
He further alleged that Sodiq honoured an invitation to the DSS office voluntarily but was detained immediately upon arrival without being allowed to settle the fare for the Bolt ride that took her there.
According to Sowore, his lawyers later contacted DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi, who allegedly described Sodiq's detention as a routine screening connected to the drone. Sowore claimed the agency later changed its position after he publicised the incident on social media.
He also accused the DSS of using state institutions to intimidate journalists, activists and government critics, describing Sodiq's detention as part of a wider pattern of repression.
The DSS had earlier said Sodiq was intercepted on Monday at the Lagos airport by its operatives alongside personnel of the Aviation Security (AVSEC) unit of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria while travelling to Abuja with a drone allegedly lacking the required authorisation.
The agency maintained that its actions were in line with regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser governing the acquisition and use of drones, adding that investigations are ongoing.
