diff --git a/modules/hostap/src/supp_api.c b/modules/hostap/src/supp_api.c
index a75c7e5afb5..445c5c7cfc8 100644
--- a/modules/hostap/src/supp_api.c
+++ b/modules/hostap/src/supp_api.c
@@ -1737,6 +1737,8 @@ int supplicant_ap_enable(const struct device *dev,
 		goto out;
 	}
 
+	iface->owner = iface;
+
 	if (iface->state == HAPD_IFACE_ENABLED) {
 		ret = -EBUSY;
 		wpa_printf(MSG_ERROR, "Interface %s is not in disable state", dev->name);