DSS: Journalist Detained Over My Bail Process, Not Drone — Sowore

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has dismissed the Department of State Services’ (DSS) explanation for the detention of journalist Zainab Sodiq.

Naija News reports that Sowore alleged that Sodiq was targeted because of her role in his bail process and not because she was travelling with a drone.

He made the allegation in a post on 𝕏 on Thursday, shortly after the DSS said the journalist was being investigated for travelling with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle without the required End User Certificate.

Sowore said the DSS’s claim did not reflect the true reason for Sodiq’s detention, alleging that the security agency had been monitoring her because of her closeness to him.

He said, “I had publicly disclosed this concern months ago. The DJI Mavic Air drone in question belongs personally to me.”

According to him, the drone had been used for media coverage of elections and other public events.

He said he personally informed DSS operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport that the drone belonged to him and instructed Sodiq to leave it behind and continue her journey to Abuja.

Sowore further alleged that Sodiq was travelling with his international passport, which was needed to fulfil bail conditions imposed by Justice M.G. Umar.

He claimed the real objective of the DSS was to prevent the passport from reaching Abuja and frustrate the perfection of his bail.

The activist also alleged that Sodiq voluntarily reported to the DSS office after being invited, but was immediately taken into custody without being allowed to pay the Bolt driver who conveyed her there.

Sowore said his lawyers later contacted the Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi, who allegedly described Sodiq’s detention as a “routine screening” related to the drone.

He, however, claimed the agency later changed its position and became displeased after he publicised the detention on social media.

Sowore accused the DSS of using state institutions to harass journalists, activists and government critics, describing Sodiq’s detention as part of a broader pattern of repression.

He also levelled allegations of abuse of power and attempts to suppress dissent against the DSS leadership.