The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Zainab Sadiq, media aide to African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, from custody.
The DSS had earlier confirmed detaining Sadiq at its National Headquarters in Abuja over the alleged possession of a drone without required authorisation.
In a statement on Thursday, July 9, 2026, DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, said Sadiq was intercepted on July 6 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, by DSS operatives and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s Aviation Security unit while attempting to travel to Abuja with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.
The agency said Sadiq could not produce an End User Certificate, a document required under National Security Adviser regulations governing drone acquisition and use in Nigeria, and admitted under questioning that she lacked the necessary documents.
Sowore, announcing her release via X on Friday, credited sustained public pressure for the outcome. He said Nigerians at home and abroad who spoke out, made calls, and pushed back against her detention had secured her freedom, and thanked them for standing firm against what he described as repression. He welcomed Sadiq back.
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