Activist and one-time presidential contender Omoyele Sowore has refuted claims by the Department of State Services regarding the apprehension of journalist Zainab Sodiq. Contrary to the agency’s assertion that Sodiq was detained for transporting an unauthorized drone, Sowore insists the action was a calculated move to block his bail process.
The DSS stated earlier that Sodiq was flagged at the Lagos airport for carrying an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle without the necessary documentation. However, Sowore clarified that the DJI Mavic Air drone belongs to him and had been utilized for previous public events. He maintains that he told airport officials the device was his property and told Sodiq to abandon it to proceed with her trip.
Sowore emphasized that Sodiq was carrying his international passport, a vital document for meeting bail requirements set by Justice M.G. Umar. He believes the security agency intercepted her specifically to prevent the delivery of this document to Abuja, thereby complicating his legal situation. He further noted that Sodiq was placed under arrest after voluntarily visiting the DSS office.
While the DSS described the detention as a standard screening procedure, Sowore argues that the agency shifted its narrative after he drew public attention to the matter on social media. He characterized the incident as part of a larger strategy by the state to target critics and journalists, accusing the agency leadership of misuse of power. Meanwhile, the DSS continues to assert that their actions align with national security protocols regarding drone regulation.
