Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Amnesty International has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately and unconditionally release journalist Zainab Sodiq, describing her continued detention as a violation of her fundamental rights, an attack on press freedom, and a "blatant abuse of power" that reflects a worrying disregard for human rights and the rule of law . In a statement issued on Thursday, the human rights organisation said the circumstances surrounding Sodiq's arrest strongly suggest she is being targeted solely for her legitimate work as a journalist, and that the official justification for her detention—possession of a drone without an End User Certificate—is being used as a pretext to prevent her from carrying out her professional duties .
The DSS has confirmed Sodiq's detention, stating that she was intercepted at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on July 6 by FAAN Aviation Security and DSS operatives while attempting to travel to Abuja with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) without the required End User Certificate . The agency said she was allowed to board her flight to Abuja due to a prior engagement but was directed to report for further investigation on July 8 . However, the DSS has not released her, and the agency's explanation has been met with fierce opposition from rights groups and the journalist's associates.
Amnesty argued that the arrest and detention of Sodiq come amid an alarming pattern of shrinking civic space in Nigeria, where journalists, activists, and human rights defenders increasingly face arbitrary arrest, intimidation, harassment, and prosecution for peacefully exercising their rights . The group noted that many journalists have faced unfounded charges including criminal defamation, terrorism-related offences, and cyberstalking, and have been prosecuted under the widely criticised Cybercrimes Act . The organisation urged authorities not to misuse regulations governing drone ownership or operation to obstruct legitimate journalism, and insisted that any restriction on freedom of expression must comply with the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties .
The rights group also called on the Nigerian authorities to promptly, thoroughly, independently, and transparently investigate the circumstances surrounding Sodiq's arrest, including the due process violations she has faced, and to bring to justice anyone suspected of responsibility . It further urged the government to end the use of arbitrary arrest, detention, and abusive criminal laws to intimidate journalists, and to ensure that media professionals can carry out their work freely, safely, and without fear of reprisals . The DSS has not indicated when Sodiq will be released or whether she will be charged to court.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments