DSS Releases Sowore’s Media Aide, Zainab From Custody

Nigerian journalist, Zainab Sadiq, working for the 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has been released from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Naija News recalls that DSS confirmed that Zainab Sodiq is being detained at its National Headquarters in Abuja as part of an investigation into the possession of a drone without the required authorisation.

In a statement issued on Thursday, July 9, 2026, by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said Sodiq was intercepted on July 6 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, by operatives of the Service and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Security (AVSEC) while attempting to travel to Abuja with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

According to the agency, Sodiq was unable to produce an End User Certificate (EUC), a document required under regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) governing the acquisition and use of drones in Nigeria.

The DSS said that when questioned, Sodiq admitted she did not have the required documents for the drone.

However, Sowore, in a post via his 𝕏 handle on Friday, said Zainab’s release follows the conscientious intervention and determined pressure of Nigerians at home and abroad.

He wrote, “Ms. Zainab Sadiq is finally free from the grip of repression!

“To everyone who raised their voice, made calls, demanded justice, and stood firmly against repression: THANK YOU!

“When people of conscience unite and stand against injustice, repression can be defeated. Welcome back, Zainab.”