DSS Defends Detention of Journalist Covering Sowore over Alleged Drone Certificate Violation

Pat Stevens/

The Department of State Services (DSS) has defended the detention of Zainab Sodiq, a journalist who covers the activities of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, saying she is being investigated for allegedly transporting a drone without the mandatory End User Certificate (EUC) required under Nigeria’s national security regulations.

The Service said Sodiq was intercepted on July 6 by operatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s Aviation Security (FAAN AVSEC) and the DSS at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while travelling to Abuja with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

According to the agency, she could not produce the documentation required under regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser governing the acquisition and use of drones in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS rejected suggestions that Sodiq was arbitrarily arrested, saying she was initially allowed to board her scheduled flight because she had a prior engagement in Abuja before she was directed to report to its National Headquarters on Wednesday, July 8, for the continuation of the investigation.

“The Department of State Services confirms detention of one Zainab Sodiq at its National Headquarters, Abuja,” the statement said.

According to the DSS, Sodiq was intercepted after Aviation Security personnel and its operatives discovered she was travelling with a drone but was not in possession of the End User Certificate required under extant regulations issued by the National Security Adviser.

The Service said Sodiq admitted when confronted that she did not have the required documentation.

It explained that, despite the discovery, she was permitted to travel to Abuja because of a prior engagement but was instructed to report to the DSS headquarters on July 8 to continue the investigation.

The DSS said the ongoing investigation is being conducted in line with regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser, which empower the Service to impound and sanction any individual or corporate organisation operating or possessing a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), commonly known as a drone, without the necessary authorisation.

According to the agency, the restrictions are driven by increasing global and domestic security concerns surrounding drone technology, particularly the risks of privacy breaches and threats to public safety.

“The Service reaffirms its commitment to professionalism and adherence to the rule of law,” the statement added.

The detention has attracted widespread public attention because Sodiq is known for reporting on Sowore’s activities.

The development has also triggered criticism from some civil society groups and supporters, who have questioned whether the action was purely regulatory or politically motivated.

The DSS, however, insisted that its action was based strictly on existing national security regulations governing the acquisition and use of drones and had no connection with Sodiq’s work as a journalist.

Nigeria has tightened controls over the importation, acquisition and operation of drones in recent years as security agencies respond to evolving security threats.

Under the regulatory framework issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser, individuals and organisations are required to obtain an End User Certificate before acquiring certain categories of drones, while operators must also comply with other statutory requirements enforced by relevant authorities.