Journalist Detained for Drone Use Released After IPI Nigeria Steps In

The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has announced that journalist Zainab Sodiq is free. She was held by the Department of State Services (DSS) because she had a drone.

On Saturday, IPI Nigeria's Secretary, Ahmed Shekarau, said Ms Sodiq was released to the leadership of the Institute around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026. This followed the group's intervention.

Ms Sodiq was stopped by security officials at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Monday, July 6, 2026. She was getting ready to travel with the drone.

Although she was allowed to go to Abuja on Monday, she had to report to the DSS headquarters on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. There, she was detained for not having the required End User Certificate for the drone.

IPI Nigeria has confirmed that Ms Sodiq is now back with the Institute's leadership.

The President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, expressed happiness about Ms Sodiq’s release. He praised the DSS for working 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,” Mr Mojeed stated.

He also said, “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.”

IPI Nigeria thanks everyone who showed concern about the journalist’s detention and helped in getting her released. The Institute promises to keep engaging with authorities to protect press freedom while also respecting legitimate national security needs.