The Department of State Services (DSS) has said journalist Zainab Sodiq is being investigated over the possession of a drone allegedly transported without the required End User Certificate (EUC), insisting that its actions are in line with extant regulations governing the acquisition and use of unmanned aerial vehicles in Nigeria.
The clarification came after African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, accused the security agency of unlawfully holding the reporter and demanded her immediate release.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS confirmed that Sodiq is in its custody at the agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja.
According to the statement, Sodiq was intercepted by operatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Security (AVSEC) and the DSS at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on July 6 while attempting to board a flight to Abuja with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
The Service said the journalist was unable to produce an End User Certificate, a document required under regulations governing the acquisition and use of drones in Nigeria, and admitted during questioning that she did not possess the required documentation.
The DSS said Sodiq was, however, allowed to board her scheduled flight to Abuja because of a prior engagement but was directed to report to the Service on Wednesday, July 8, for the continuation of the investigation.
According to the agency, the investigation is being conducted in line with extant regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which empower the DSS to impound and sanction individuals or corporate entities operating or acquiring Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), also known as drones, without the necessary authorisation.
The Service said enforcement of the regulations is driven by domestic and global security concerns associated with drone operations, including risks to public safety and privacy, adding that it remains committed to professionalism and adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of its responsibilities.