The Department of State Services (DSS) has released journalist and media aide to activist Omoyele Sowore, Zainab Sodiq, following the intervention of the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria).
Sodiq was detained by the DSS over her possession of a drone, which security authorities said required an End User Certificate.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Secretary of IPI Nigeria, Ahmed Shekarau, disclosed that Sodiq was released to the leadership of the Institute at about 7:30 p.m. on Friday after sustained engagement with the security agency.
According to Shekarau, Sodiq was intercepted by security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Monday, July 6, 2026, while preparing to travel with the drone.
He explained that although she was initially allowed to continue her journey to Abuja, she was instructed to report to the DSS headquarters on Wednesday. Upon reporting, she was detained over the alleged possession of the drone without the required End User Certificate.
“The Nigerian National Committee of IPI Nigeria has announced the release of journalist Zainab Sodiq, who was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) over her possession of a drone,” Shekarau said.
He confirmed that Sodiq had been released into the custody of the Institute’s leadership.
Reacting to the development, the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, welcomed the journalist’s release and commended the DSS for responding positively to the Institute’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,” Mojeed said.
He stressed that while security agencies have a constitutional responsibility to enforce the law, such duties should be carried out with due respect for the rights of journalists and other citizens.
“We encourage continued dialogue and mutual understanding between security agencies and the media to ensure that legitimate security concerns are addressed without unduly impeding press freedom or journalists carrying out their professional duties,” he added.
IPI Nigeria also expressed appreciation to individuals and organisations that raised concerns over Sodiq’s detention and supported efforts that led to her release.
The Institute reaffirmed its commitment to engaging relevant authorities in promoting press freedom while recognising the importance of addressing legitimate national security concerns within the framework of the law and respect for fundamental human rights.
IPI Nigeria is the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI Global), a worldwide network of editors, media executives and leading journalists operating in more than 100 countries.