Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A coalition of civil society groups under the umbrella of the Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding the immediate and unconditional release of detained journalist Zainab Sodiq. The coalition, which describes itself as a formidable human rights network rooted in the left movement of Nigeria with an ideology anchored in good governance, social justice, and human rights, has warned that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe will trigger a nationwide protest that could potentially shut down the country.
The ultimatum comes amid growing outrage over the detention of Sodiq, a journalist who has been covering the activities of human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. According to multiple reports, Sodiq was arrested after being lured to Abuja by a DSS operative identified only as "Musa," who had contacted her to retrieve a drone earlier seized from her while she covered Sowore at the domestic airport in Lagos. She voluntarily reported to the DSS office but was immediately taken into custody without being allowed to settle the fare with her Bolt driver who had conveyed her there. The coalition has condemned the arrest as unlawful and a dangerous assault on press freedom, democracy, and human rights.
The DSS has confirmed the detention of Sodiq at its National Headquarters in Abuja, stating that she is being investigated for allegedly attempting to transport an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, without the required End User Certificate (EUC). According to a statement issued by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, Sodiq was intercepted by FAAN Aviation Security and DSS operatives at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on July 6, 2026, while attempting to board a flight to Abuja with the drone. When confronted, she admitted not being in possession of the required documents. The DSS noted that, following due process, she was allowed to board her scheduled flight and directed to report on Wednesday, July 8, for the continuation of the investigation. However, her subsequent detention has been met with fierce opposition.
Sowore has vehemently rejected the DSS's explanation, insisting that the real motive behind Sodiq's detention was to frustrate his bail process. According to Sowore, Sodiq was carrying his international passport, which was required to be deposited in court as part of the bail conditions imposed by Justice M.G. Umar. He alleged that the DSS deliberately targeted her to prevent the passport from reaching Abuja, thereby creating an excuse to send him back to Kuje Prison. Sowore also claimed that after Sodiq became unreachable, his lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, visited the DSS headquarters and was informed that the Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi, was angry that Sowore had publicly exposed Sodiq's detention on social media and had consequently ordered that she remain in custody. In a statement, Sowore declared: "The real objective was to prevent Zainab from reaching Abuja with my international passport, frustrate the perfection of my bail, and create an excuse to send me back to the overcrowded Kuje Prison."
The Take It Back Movement, which has been at the forefront of the advocacy for Sodiq's release, has also condemned the detention, describing it as part of a broader pattern of repression against journalists and government critics. The movement demanded that the DSS publicly disclose the legal basis for her arrest and desist from using state power to intimidate journalists. In a statement, the group said: "The arrest of journalists for simply documenting events is a hallmark of authoritarian regimes. It has no place in a democratic society."
Sodiq's detention has drawn widespread condemnation from journalists, human rights activists, and civil society organisations, many of whom have echoed the sentiments of the Edo Civil Society Coalition. In a statement, the coalition warned that the DSS's action represents a dangerous escalation in the government's assault on press freedom and the rights of citizens to hold power to account. The coalition has demanded that the DSS immediately release Sodiq and publicly explain the circumstances of her arrest. It has also called on the Federal Government to respect the rule of law and guarantee the fundamental rights of all citizens.
The ultimatum issued by the Edo Civil Society Coalition adds to the growing chorus of voices calling for Sodiq's release. As of the time of this report, the DSS had not responded to the ultimatum, and Sodiq remains in custody. The coalition has vowed to mobilise its members and other Nigerians for a nationwide protest if their demands are not met within the 48-hour deadline. The protest, which the coalition has threatened will be nationwide, is expected to be a massive demonstration against what it describes as the DSS's flagrant disregard for the rule of law and the rights of Nigerian citizens. The situation continues to develop, and the outcome of the ultimatum remains to be seen.
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