The Human Rights Civil Society Watch of Nigeria (HRCSWN) has condemned the continued detention of journalist Zainab Sodiq by the Department of State Services (DSS), describing it as a serious concern for press freedom, due process, and the rule of law. The organisation called for her immediate and unconditional release, warning that the prolonged detention of a journalist without a prompt and transparent judicial process could have a chilling effect on independent journalism in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Thursday, 9 July 2026, and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Stone, HRCSWN said that a free and independent press remains one of the foundations of a democratic society. The organisation urged security agencies to respect constitutional guarantees of personal liberty, fair hearing, and freedom of expression, stressing that any allegations against an individual should be addressed through an open, impartial, and transparent judicial process.
HRCSWN further stated that protecting journalists is inseparable from protecting the public's right to access information and hold those in authority accountable. It urged the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to uphold Nigeria's constitutional and international human rights obligations by releasing Zainab Sodiq without further delay.
The statement came as the Department of State Services confirmed that Sodiq is being held at its National Headquarters in Abuja over allegations relating to the possession of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone. According to the DSS, she was intercepted on 6 July 2026 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos while travelling to Abuja with a DJI Mavic Air drone and was unable to produce the required End User Certificate (EUC), a document required under regulations governing drone ownership and operation in Nigeria.
The DSS stated that although she was initially allowed to continue her journey to Abuja because she had a prior engagement, she was directed to report to its headquarters on 8 July, where she was subsequently detained while investigations continued. The agency maintained that its actions were carried out in accordance with national security regulations governing Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems and insisted that the investigation was being conducted within the law.
The detention has since attracted reactions from media rights advocates and civil society organisations. Amnesty International called for Sodiq's immediate and unconditional release, expressing concern over the implications of her continued detention for press freedom and human rights protections.
Activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore also challenged the DSS explanation, alleging that the drone belonged to him and that Sodiq was being targeted because of her professional association with him. Sowore further claimed that she had been carrying his international passport to Abuja to comply with court-ordered bail conditions in a separate legal matter. The DSS has not publicly responded to those specific allegations and has continued to maintain that its investigation relates to compliance with drone regulations.
Legal practitioner Aloy Ejimakor also joined calls for Sodiq's release, urging the DSS to ensure that any allegations against her are addressed through due process. The African Action Congress (AAC) similarly criticised the detention and called for her immediate release.
The case has renewed debate over the balance between national security regulations and press freedom in Nigeria. While security authorities argue that drone operations require strict controls because of safety and security concerns, human rights advocates maintain that enforcement measures must not undermine legitimate journalism or restrict the media's role in a democratic society.
As of Thursday, 9 July 2026, Zainab Sodiq remained in the custody of the Department of State Services, with no formal criminal charges publicly announced. The situation continues to draw attention from rights groups, legal practitioners, and media advocates who are calling for respect for due process, constitutional rights, and the protection of press freedom in Nigeria.
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