Sowore’s Media Aide Zainab Released From DSS Custody

Zainab, a journalist and media aide linked to activist Omoyele Sowore, has been released from Department of State Services custody after her detention drew pressure from lawyers, rights advocates and civil society voices.

The release was announced late Friday by Sowore, who said Nigerians at home and abroad had pushed for her freedom. The DSS had earlier confirmed that she was in its custody after an incident involving a drone at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Premium Times reported that the agency said Zainab Sodiq was being investigated over the alleged movement of a drone without the required End User Certificate. Daily Post identified her as Zainab Sadiq and said Sowore announced that she was finally free.

Sowore rejected the security agency’s account, saying the drone belonged to him and alleging that she was targeted because she worked with him. He also said she had been travelling with his passport, which he needed for bail conditions in his ongoing case.

The Premium Times report said Sowore thanked Femi Falana, Musikilu Mojeed, Deji Adeyanju, Amnesty International Nigeria, members of the Take It Back Movement, journalists and other Nigerians who intervened.

The DSS had not issued a fresh public statement on her release or on whether the investigation had ended at the time covered by the reports.

Sources: Daily Post, Premium Times