- DSS Releases Sowore’s Media Aide, Zainab From Custody
- She was detained over alleged possession of an unauthorised drone.
- Sowore thanked Nigerians for demanding her release.
Nigerian journalist Zainab Sadiq, who works with the 2027 presidential campaign of African Action Congress (AAC) candidate Omoyele Sowore, has been released from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Sadiq had been detained by the DSS as part of an investigation into the alleged possession of a drone without the required authorisation.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the DSS, in a statement issued on Thursday, July 9, 2026, by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, said Sadiq 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).
According to the agency, she was attempting to travel to Abuja with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone.
The DSS stated that Sadiq was unable to produce an End User Certificate (EUC), a document required under regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for the acquisition and use of drones in Nigeria.
The agency added that during questioning, Sadiq admitted she did not possess the required documentation for the drone.
Announcing her release on Friday, AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore expressed appreciation to Nigerians who campaigned for her freedom.
In a post on his 𝕏 account, Sowore attributed Sadiq’s release to sustained public pressure and advocacy from supporters within and outside Nigeria.
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.”
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