The Department of State Services, DSS, has released Omoyele Sowore’s media aide, Zainab Sodiq, to the leadership of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria).
Sodiq was arrested and detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) over her possession of a drone.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Secretary of IPI Nigeria, Malam Ahmed Shekarau, said Sodiq was released to the Institute’s leadership at about 7:30 p.m. on Friday following the organisation’s intervention.
Shekarau said: “The Nigerian National Committee of IPI Nigeria has announced the release of journalist Zainab Sodiq, who was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) over her possession of a drone.
“Ms Sodiq was reportedly intercepted by security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Monday, July 6, 2026, while preparing to travel with the drone.”
The institute’s secretary said she was allowed to continue her journey to Abuja on Monday.
He said she was, however, directed to report to the DSS headquarters on Wednesday, where she was subsequently detained for possessing the device without the requisite End User Certificate.
According to him, IPI Nigeria has confirmed that Sodiq has now been released to the Institute’s leadership.
Commenting on the development, the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, welcomed Sodiq’s release and commended the DSS for its engagement 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.
“While we recognise the responsibility of security agencies to enforce law and order, 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.”
The institute appreciated all individuals and organisations that expressed concern over the journalist’s detention and supported efforts to secure her release.
It reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with relevant authorities to safeguard press freedom while recognising legitimate national security concerns within the framework of the law and respect for fundamental human rights.
IPI Nigeria is the Nigerian affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI Global), a worldwide network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in more than 100 countries.
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The Niger State House of Assembly has approved Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago’s request for a N20.4 billion loan facility to boost the state’s food security initiative through the development of a large-scale irrigated farming project.
The approval was granted during Tuesday’s plenary session following the presentation of a letter from the governor addressed to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji.
The letter was read on the floor of the Assembly by the Speaker.
In the letter, Governor Bago sought legislative approval for a bank guarantee in favour of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) for a facility valued at $14,445,007.06 (approximately N20.4 billion) under the Saudi EXIM Line of Finance for the Niger Food Security Systems and Logistics Company.
The governor explained that the State Executive Council, at its 563rd sitting held on May 18, 2026, deliberated on and approved the facility before forwarding the request to the Assembly for legislative consideration.
According to him, the request is in compliance with relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other applicable state laws.
He stated that the loan, which has a tenure of 84 months with an 18-month moratorium, is intended to finance the operational expansion of the Niger State Food Security Systems and Logistics Company.
The facility will specifically support the development of a 3,000-hectare fully irrigated farm estate in Paikoro Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Bago appealed to lawmakers for the speedy consideration and approval of the request.
Following the reading of the letter, the Assembly moved into an executive session, after which members unanimously approved the loan request.
Niger Assembly approves N20.4bn loan for food security project
