The DSS has confirmed detaining journalist Zainab Sodiq, reportedly linked to Omoyele Sowore, after she was intercepted at Lagos airport with a drone lacking the required End User Certificate.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the detention of journalist Zainab Sodiq, reportedly working with activist Omoyele Sowore, after she was caught attempting to board a Lagos-to-Abuja flight with an unauthorized drone.
In a statement issued Thursday, as reported by Daily Post, DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, said Sodiq was intercepted on Monday at Murtala Muhammed International Airport by operatives of the Service alongside the Aviation Security (AVSEC) unit of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
“The Department of State Services (DSS) confirms detention of one Zainab Sodiq at its National Headquarters, Abuja,” the statement read, adding that she was intercepted with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle en route to Abuja without an End User Certificate (EUC).
According to the DSS, the interception followed regulations from the Office of the National Security Adviser restricting drone acquisition and use. The agency said Sodiq admitted, when questioned, that she lacked the required documentation.
Despite the infraction, the DSS allowed her to proceed on her scheduled flight due to a prior engagement, but directed her to report to its headquarters on Wednesday, July 8, for continued investigation.
The Service said the probe is being carried out under existing regulations empowering it to impound equipment and sanction individuals or organizations operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) — commonly known as drones — without proper authorization.
DSS attributed the enforcement action to rising domestic and global security concerns tied to drone use, citing risks including privacy violations and threats to public safety.
The agency has not disclosed further details on the current status of the investigation or whether additional charges may follow.
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