Sowore’s Media Aide Zainab Regains Freedom After DSS Custody

According to Ireporter Online, Sadiq was detained by the DSS over allegations involving the possession of a drone without the necessary approval and documentation required by Nigerian authorities.

The security agency had earlier confirmed that the journalist was being held at its National Headquarters in Abuja as part of an investigation into the matter.

In a statement released on Thursday, July 9, 2026, the DSS explained that Sadiq was intercepted on July 6 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, by its operatives alongside officers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Security (AVSEC) while she was travelling to Abuja with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

The agency stated that she was unable to provide an End User Certificate (EUC), a document required under regulations issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for the acquisition and operation of drones in the country.

The DSS added that during questioning, Sadiq acknowledged that she did not possess the required documentation for the device.

However, Sowore announced her release in a post shared on his official X account on Friday, attributing her freedom to the intervention and pressure mounted by Nigerians both within the country and abroad.

The AAC presidential candidate expressed appreciation to individuals who spoke out and demanded her release, describing the development as a victory against what he termed repression.

Sowore welcomed Sadiq’s return, stating that collective action and public concern played a major role in securing her freedom.