Human rights activist and the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Omoyele Sowore, has faulted the reason given by the Department of State Services (DSS) for the detention of journalist Zainab Sodiq, insisting she was targeted because of her role in his bail process.
He made this known on X on Thursday shortly after the DSS picked her up, in a post titled: “THE REAL REASON LAWLESS DSS ARRESTED JOURNALIST ZAINAB SODIQ!”
According to the security agency, Sodiq is being investigated for travelling with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) without the required End User Certificate (EUC).
The Service noted that she was arrested at the Lagos airport on Monday while travelling to Abuja, maintaining that its action was in line with regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser governing the acquisition and use of drones.
Reacting to the explanation, Sowore said that contrary to the statement by the DSS, the female journalist was not arrested and detained because of any drone.
He argued that the government agency had been after her for some time owing to their closeness.
According to Sowore, the drone belonged to him and had been used for media coverage of elections and other public events.
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He added that he personally informed DSS operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport that the drone was his, and instructed Sodiq to leave it behind and continue her journey to Abuja.
“I had publicly disclosed this concern months ago. The DJI Mavic Air drone in question belongs personally to me,” the activist wrote.
He further claimed Sodiq was travelling with his international passport, which was required to fulfil bail conditions imposed by Justice M.G. Umar, and alleged that the real objective of the security agency was to prevent the passport from reaching Abuja and frustrate the completion of his bail.
Sowore further alleged that Sodiq voluntarily reported to the DSS office after being invited but was immediately taken into custody without being allowed to settle the fare for the Bolt ride that conveyed her there.
According to him, 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 that the agency later changed its position and became displeased after he publicised Sodiq’s detention on social media.
Sowore accused the DSS of using state institutions to harass journalists, activists, and government critics, alleging that the detention formed part of a broader pattern of repression.
“We were later told that the DSS leadership was angry because I had publicly exposed Zainab’s unlawful detention via social media posts. Instead of addressing the legality of holding a Nigerian citizen, the concern of Tosin Ajayi became that I had posted about it on social media. This is what happens when personal ego is placed above citizens’ fundamental rights,” he noted.
The activist-turned-politician also levelled several allegations against the DSS leadership, including claims of abuse of power and attempts to suppress dissent.