The Department of State Services says journalist Zainab Sodiq is under investigation after she was found in possession of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle without the required End User Certificate, contrary to regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser governing the acquisition and use of drones.
In a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said Sodiq was intercepted on July 6 by operatives of the Service and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s Aviation Security at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while travelling to Abuja with the drone.
According to the Service, Sodiq acknowledged she was not in possession of the required End User Certificate. The DSS said she was nevertheless allowed to board her scheduled flight to Abuja because of a prior engagement but was directed to report to its National Headquarters on Wednesday, July 8, for the continuation of the investigation.
The Service said the investigation is being conducted in line with regulations empowering it to impound and sanction individuals or corporate entities operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems without the required authorisation, citing national security, public safety and privacy concerns.
The statement comes after activist Omoyele Sowore alleged that Sodiq, a journalist who has covered his activities, was invited to Abuja to retrieve a drone earlier seized by the DSS but was subsequently detained. While Sowore and his supporters have questioned the basis of her detention and accused the Service of targeting individuals associated with his political and human rights activities, the DSS maintains that its actions are lawful and that investigations are ongoing.
Editor: Ada Ononye
