While Others Celebrate, One Oyo Family Is Still Mourning—The Heartbreaking Story of Teacher Michael Oyedokun

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.

How Public Pressure Helped Secure Zainab Sodiq’s Release, According to Sowore

Journalist Zainab Sodiq has regained her freedom after spending days in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), marking a significant development in a case that attracted widespread public attention and concerns over press freedom.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore announced her release in a statement on Friday, describing it as “good news” and thanking Nigerians, journalists, lawyers, civil society organisations and international groups who spoke out against her detention.

“We have good news! Ms. Zainab Sadiq is finally free from the grip of repression!” Sowore wrote.

According to him, Sodiq’s release followed sustained public pressure from Nigerians both within and outside the country, as well as interventions by prominent individuals and organisations.

Among those he acknowledged were senior lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), President of the International Press Institute (IPI), Musikilu Mojeed, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, Amnesty International, the Take It Back (TIB) Movement, journalists, civil society organisations and other Nigerians who demanded her release.

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

He added that the development demonstrated the impact of collective action in defending fundamental rights and challenging what he described as repression.

“When people of conscience unite and stand against injustice, repression can be defeated,” he stated while welcoming the journalist back.

Sodiq’s detention had generated national debate after Sowore alleged she was arrested because of her work covering his activities. The Department of State Services, 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.

The differing accounts sparked reactions from media organisations, legal practitioners, human rights advocates and press freedom groups, many of whom called for transparency and due process.

Although Zainab Sodiq has now been released, neither the DSS nor the Federal Government has publicly disclosed whether any charges will be filed or whether the investigation referenced by the agency has been concluded.

Shemariah Media will continue to monitor the matter and provide updates if further official statements are issued.