Under Pressure: Journalist Zainab Sodiq Released After DSS Detention Sparks Outcry!

Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has announced the release of female journalist, Zainab Sadiq, from detention. Sowore lauded her freedom as a significant victory against repression, achieved through the unified efforts of Nigerians and dedicated human rights advocates. He made this disclosure in a statement on Friday, extending his appreciation to all individuals and organizations whose persistent intervention and public pressure were instrumental in securing Sadiq's release. He emphasized that Sadiq's freedom was a direct result of the conscientious intervention and determined pressure exerted by Nigerians both within the country and in the diaspora.

The circumstances surrounding Zainab Sadiq's detention sparked widespread condemnation. According to the Yoruba socio-political group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, Sadiq was initially intercepted and harassed by Department of State Services (DSS) operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on July 6, 2026. This occurred while she was traveling to Abuja with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone. Although she did not operate the drone at the airport, DSS officials questioned her possession of the equipment, stating she lacked the required End User Certificate. Contrary to initial reports of an arrest at the airport, Sadiq was permitted to continue her journey to Abuja after being instructed to report to the DSS National Headquarters. Upon her arrival in Abuja, Sadiq complied with the directive and voluntarily reported to the DSS headquarters, respecting Nigerian law and constituted authority. However, instead of retrieving her drone and departing, she was subsequently detained by the agency, criminalized without any apparent legal basis for her detention.

Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá vehemently condemned the DSS's actions, accusing the agency of abandoning its constitutional responsibility to protect Nigeria's national security in favor of targeting journalists, activists, and government critics. The group, in a statement signed by its Convener, Olusola Badero, and released through Home Director Princess Balogun, demanded Sadiq's immediate and unconditional release, along with adequate compensation for her unlawful harassment and detention. They asserted that the DSS has transformed into “a tool of political oppression,” used against citizens who criticize President Bola Tinubu and other political office holders, rather than focusing on pressing security threats like terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups. The organization highlighted a disturbing pattern where many Nigerians who are either abducted or voluntarily obey agency directives reportedly disappear without a trace, suggesting that Sadiq's whereabouts would have remained unknown if not for tracking by concerned individuals.

Further criticism came from human rights activist Francis Nwapa, who also denounced Sadiq's prolonged detention. Nwapa accused the DSS of prioritizing the persecution of journalists over confronting terrorist groups that have repeatedly deployed drones in attacks across northern Nigeria. In a statement issued on Friday, July 10, 2026, Nwapa described Sadiq's detention for over 72 hours due to drone possession as an assault on press freedom. He directly challenged the Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi, demanding an explanation for the agency's enforcement priorities. Nwapa questioned why the DSS would insist journalists require authorization to possess or operate drones, while terrorists are apparently permitted to fly drones freely in conflict zones across Nigeria's North-East, using them for surveillance and attacks against Nigerian troops and civilians. He argued that the true measure of national security should be the protection of citizens from terrorists and violent criminals, not the intimidation of journalists carrying out their professional duties.

Both Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá and Francis Nwapa called for immediate action. The Yoruba group further accused the DSS of allowing insecurity to escalate across the country while focusing its operations on peaceful citizens, alleging that Nigeria's security agencies have become politicized to serve President Bola Tinubu and his associates. They urged Nigerians not to be intimidated by the DSS or any other security agency, advocating for citizens to continue exercising their constitutional rights within legal boundaries. The group specifically called on Director-General Tosin Ajayi to immediately release Zainab Sadiq and all other unjustly held citizens, reminding him of the fate of former public officials who allegedly misused state institutions for political interests. Similarly, Nwapa demanded Sadiq's unconditional release and urged the DSS to redirect its intelligence capabilities toward dismantling terrorist networks and safeguarding the lives and liberties of Nigerians, rather than intimidating members of the press.

Sowore's announcement of Zainab Sadiq's release underscored the power of collective action. He expressed profound gratitude to everyone who participated in the campaign for her freedom, including principled voices such as Femi Falana (SAN), Musikilu Mojeed of the International Press Institute (IPI), Barrister Marshal D. F. Abubakar, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, Amnesty International Nigeria, activists of the Take-It-Back Movement, journalists, civil society organizations, and countless conscientious Nigerians who refused to remain silent. Sowore concluded that their united front demonstrated that oppression can be effectively challenged and defeated when citizens unite in the defense of justice and stand against injustice.