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Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has attributed the release of journalist Zainab Sodiq from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to sustained public pressure from Nigerians, civil society groups, lawyers and international organisations.

Sowore announced the journalist’s release on Friday, describing it as a victory for collective action against what he called repression.

“We have good news! Ms. Zainab Sodiq is finally free from the grip of repression,” Sowore said in a statement made available to Shemariah Media.

According to him, the campaign for Sodiq’s freedom gained momentum through the efforts of individuals and organisations that demanded her release and challenged her continued detention.

He specifically acknowledged the interventions of senior advocate Femi Falana (SAN), International Press Institute (IPI) President Musikilu Mojeed, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, Amnesty International, activists of the Take It Back Movement, journalists, civil society organisations and Nigerians who spoke out against the detention.

“To everyone who raised their voice, made calls, demanded justice, and stood firmly against repression: Thank you!” Sowore said.

He added that Sodiq’s release demonstrated the power of citizens acting together to defend fundamental rights.

“When people of conscience unite and stand against injustice, repression can be defeated,” he stated.

Sodiq’s detention drew national attention after Sowore alleged that she was arrested because she covered his daily activities as a journalist. The DSS, however, maintained that she was being investigated over the possession of a drone without the required authorisation, insisting that its actions were in line with national security regulations governing the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles.

The conflicting accounts triggered widespread debate, with media organisations, legal practitioners, rights groups and press freedom advocates calling for transparency and respect for due process.

Although Sodiq has now regained her freedom, questions remain over the circumstances surrounding her detention and whether the investigation referenced by the DSS has been concluded.

The agency has yet to issue a statement following her release.

The development marks the latest chapter in a case that has sparked renewed conversations about press freedom, national security and the rights of journalists in Nigeria.