The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has announced the release of journalist Zainab Sodiq, who was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) over her possession of a drone without the required End User Certificate.
In a statement issued on Saturday, IPI Nigeria Secretary, Ahmed Shekarau, disclosed that Sodiq was released to the institute’s leadership at about 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 10, following the organisation’s intervention.
According to the institute, Sodiq was intercepted by security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Monday, July 6, while preparing to travel with the drone. Although she was allowed to continue her journey to Abuja, she was instructed to report to the DSS headquarters on Wednesday, July 8, where she was subsequently detained for possessing the device without the requisite End User Certificate.
Confirming her release, IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, welcomed the resolution of the matter and commended the DSS for engaging with the institute.
“We are pleased that this matter has been resolved and that Ms Sodiq has regained her freedom. We appreciate the DSS for responding to our intervention and for facilitating her release,” Mojeed said.
He added that while security agencies have a responsibility to enforce laws and regulations aimed at protecting national security, such duties should be carried out with due regard for the constitutional rights of journalists and other citizens.
“While we recognise the responsibility of security agencies to enforce laws and regulations designed to protect national security, such responsibilities should always be discharged with due regard for the constitutional rights of journalists and other citizens. We encourage continued dialogue and mutual understanding between security agencies and the media to ensure that legitimate security concerns are addressed without unduly impeding press freedom or journalists carrying out their professional duties,” he stated.
IPI Nigeria also thanked individuals and organisations that expressed concern over Sodiq’s detention and supported efforts that led to her release. The institute reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with relevant authorities to safeguard press freedom while acknowledging legitimate national security concerns within the framework of the law and respect for fundamental human rights.
The incident has renewed attention on the regulatory requirements governing the possession and operation of drones in Nigeria. Under existing regulations, certain categories of drone equipment require an End User Certificate, a security clearance designed to ensure such devices are not diverted for unlawful purposes. The requirement has occasionally affected journalists, filmmakers and other professionals who rely on drone technology for their work.
IPI Nigeria is the Nigerian affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI Global), a worldwide network of editors, media executives and leading journalists operating in more than 100 countries. Founded in 1950, the organisation has spent more than seven decades promoting and defending press freedom worldwide.
The Nigerian chapter, established in the 1960s by prominent media figures and registered under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has continued to advocate for press freedom, independent journalism and the safety and protection of journalists across the country.
