DSS Says Journalist Zainab Sodiq Detained Over Drone Certificate

The Department of State Services says journalist Zainab Sodiq is being held at its national headquarters in Abuja over an alleged drone documentation issue.

The agency said Sodiq was intercepted at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on July 6 while travelling to Abuja with an unmanned aerial vehicle. It said she did not have the required End User Certificate for the drone.

Vanguard and Daily Post both reported the DSS statement, issued by Favour Dozie, the agency’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications. Vanguard also reported that the confirmation came after Omoyele Sowore accused the secret police of unlawfully detaining the journalist.

According to the DSS account, Sodiq was first stopped by DSS operatives and the Aviation Security unit of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria at the Lagos airport. The agency said she was allowed to continue her scheduled trip to Abuja because she had a prior engagement, but was asked to report to DSS headquarters on July 8 for further investigation.

The DSS said its action was tied to regulations from the Office of the National Security Adviser on the acquisition and use of drones in Nigeria. It said the rules allow authorities to impound and sanction people or organisations operating or transporting drones without proper authorisation.

The agency also linked the enforcement to public safety and privacy concerns around drone use. It said the investigation was continuing.

The case is likely to draw attention from press freedom groups because it involves a journalist and a security agency detention, even though the DSS has framed the matter as a drone-authorisation investigation.

Sources: Vanguard, Daily Post