DSS MUST IMMEDIATELY RELEASE JOURNALIST ZAINAB SODIQ
July 9, 2026
The Take It Back Movement (TIB), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, condemns the arrest and continued detention of investigative journalist, Miss Zainab Sodiq, by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Miss Sodiq, a journalist known for her consistent coverage of human rights issues and the activities of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was invited to the DSS Headquarters on Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Abuja, by an officer identified as Musa Abdulwahab Habib. She was reportedly informed that she could retrieve her journalistic drone, which had previously been seized in Lagos.
Rather than facilitating the return of her equipment, the invitation culminated in her arrest and detention. Since then, she has remained in DSS custody, while the agency has failed to publicly disclose any recognizable criminal offence, formal charge, or lawful basis for depriving her of her liberty.
Such conduct represents a grave violation of the constitutional rights guaranteed to every Nigerian under Sections 35 and 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which protect the rights to personal liberty and freedom of expression. A democratic society cannot thrive where journalists are intimidated, detained, or silenced for carrying out their professional responsibilities.
The continued use of security agencies against journalists, activists, and citizens who hold those in power accountable raises serious concerns about the state of civil liberties and democratic governance in Nigeria.
No security institution should be transformed into an instrument for suppressing dissent, intimidating independent media, or shrinking the democratic space.
A free press is indispensable to any constitutional democracy. Any attempt to criminalize journalism or punish legitimate reporting is not merely an attack on one journalist; it is an attack on the public’s right to know and on the democratic values upon which the nation is founded.
Accordingly, the Take It Back Movement (FCT Chapter) demands:
- The immediate and unconditional release of Miss Zainab Sodiq from DSS custody.
- The immediate return of all her confiscated journalistic equipment, including the drone.
- A public apology from the DSS.
We also call on the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Attorney General of the Federation, the Nigerian Bar Association, media organizations, civil society groups, and all defenders of democracy to urgently intervene to ensure that the rule of law prevails and that the constitutional rights of Miss Sodiq are protected.
The Take It Back Movement will not be intimidated into silence. We remain resolute in our commitment to defending press freedom, protecting fundamental human rights, and resisting every attempt to undermine democratic accountability.
An injury to one journalist is an injury to democracy itself.
#FreeZainabSodiqNow#TakeItBack#RevolutionNow
Signed:
Comrade Moses Andrew,
CoordinatorTake It Back Movement (FCT Chapter)