The Human Rights Civil Society Watch of Nigeria (HRCSWN) strongly condemns the continued detention of journalist Zainab Sodiq by the Department of State Services (DSS) and calls for her immediate and unconditional release.
The continued detention of a journalist without a timely and transparent judicial process raises serious concerns about the protection of press freedom and the rule of law in Nigeria. A free press is indispensable to any democratic society, and actions that appear to intimidate or silence journalists risk creating a climate of fear that undermines independent reporting and the public's constitutional right to receive information.
HRCSWN maintains that no individual should be subjected to prolonged detention without due process of law. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the rights to personal liberty and fair hearing, and these rights must be respected by every institution, including security agencies.
We therefore call for the immediate release of Zainab Sodiq and urge that, where the government believes any offence has been committed, such matters should be addressed through an open, independent, and transparent judicial process that fully respects constitutional guarantees and internationally recognized human rights standards.
The continued detention of journalists sends a troubling message to media professionals and threatens the democratic values upon which every free society depends. Protecting press freedom is not merely about safeguarding journalists; it is about protecting the public's right to information and preserving accountability in governance.
The Human Rights Civil Society Watch of Nigeria stands firmly with all individuals whose fundamental rights are at risk and reiterates its commitment to defending freedom of expression, press freedom, and the rule of law. We call on the relevant authorities to uphold the Constitution, respect Nigeria's human rights obligations, and release Zainab Sodiq without further delay.
Justice delayed is justice denied. Press freedom must never become a casualty of state power.
Signed
Comrade Stone
National Coordinator
Human Rights Civil Society Watch of Nigeria (HRCSWN)
Date: 9 July 2026
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