The Department of State Services (DSS) says journalist Zainab Sodiq was arrested over the alleged possession of a drone without the required authorisation documents, dismissing claims that her detention was linked to her work covering the activities of presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the DSS, through its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, said Sodiq was intercepted on July 6 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos by operatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Security (AVSEC) and the DSS.

According to the agency, Sodiq was preparing to travel from Lagos to Abuja when she was found in possession of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) without the End User Certificate (EUC) required under existing regulations.

The DSS said she is currently being held at its national headquarters in Abuja as investigations continue. It explained that restrictions introduced by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) require individuals and organisations to obtain the necessary approvals before acquiring or operating drones in Nigeria.

The agency stated that Sodiq admitted she did not have the required documentation when questioned. It added that she was initially allowed to travel to Abuja because of a prior engagement but was directed to report on July 8 to continue the investigation.

The DSS said it is investigating the alleged unauthorised use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), noting that existing regulations empower the service to seize drones and sanction anyone operating them without approval. It added that the measures are aimed at addressing security concerns, protecting public safety and preventing privacy breaches.

Reacting to the arrest, Omoyele Sowore alleged that Sodiq was being targeted because of her role as a journalist covering his activities. In a post on X, he claimed the detention was politically motivated and accused the government of attempting to intimidate the press.

The DSS, however, insists that the journalist's arrest is solely related to the alleged breach of regulations governing the possession and use of drones in Nigeria.