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The Department of State Services (DSS) says its operatives arrested Zainab Sodiq, a journalist who covers the activities of presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, for being in possession of a drone “without the required documents”.
Favour Dozie, deputy director, public relations and strategic communications at the DSS, in a statement on Thursday, said Sodiq was intercepted by operatives of Aviation Security (AVSEC), the armed wing of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); and operatives of the DSS at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on July 6 with an “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) enroute Abuja from MMIA border control without an ‘End User Certificate’ (EUC)”.
Dozie said the journalist is currently being held at its national headquarters in Abuja.
“It is to be noted that, in compliance with National Security Adviser (NSA), Extant Regulations, which placed restrictions on acquisition and use of drones, Sodiq was intercepted while trying to board a flight to Abuja,” the statement reads.
“When confronted, she admitted to not being in possession of the required documents.
“Following due process, Sodiq was allowed to board her scheduled flight in view of a prior engagement in Abuja.
“She was, however, directed to report on Wednesday, 8 July, for the continuation of the investigation.”
The statement added that, in line with the NSA’s regulations, the service has begun an investigation into the unauthorised use of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS).
It noted that the rules empower the DSS to impound and sanction individuals or corporate organisations operating drones anywhere in the country without approval.
It said the action was necessary because of growing global and domestic security concerns, especially over privacy breaches and the safety of individuals.
In a post on X, Sowore said: “DSS has just arrested Zainab Sodiq, the journalist who covers my daily activities, and detained her at its headquarters in Abuja.
“Her only ‘crime’ is doing her job as a journalist. The @officialABAT regime is running scared. They are very desperate but it will not end well for DSS DG, Tosin Ajayi at all.”
