DSS Confirms Detention of Journalist Zainab Sodiq Amid Controversy
The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the detention of journalist Zainab Sodiq, citing an ongoing investigation. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore disputes the agency's explanation.
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The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed it is holding journalist Zainab Sodiq at its National Headquarters in Abuja, according to a statement reported by Naija News. The agency said she is being detained in connection with an ongoing investigation, though it did not disclose specific charges.
Sodiq, who has previously covered human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, was taken into custody earlier this week. The DSS claimed her detention relates to coverage of Sowore’s bail process, not drone-related activities, a distinction Sowore himself emphasized in a public response.
Sowore dismissed the DSS’s justification, asserting that the journalist’s arrest was linked to her reporting on his legal proceedings rather than any security threat. He argued the agency’s explanation lacks credibility and raises concerns about press freedom. Naija News reported Sowore’s statement, in which he maintained that the detention was an attempt to intimidate journalists covering sensitive political cases.
The case has drawn attention to the treatment of media personnel in Nigeria, particularly those reporting on high-profile political and human rights issues. As of now, no formal charges have been made public, and Sodiq remains in DSS custody. The agency has not issued further details on the investigation.