The Department of State Services has denied reports alleging that acclaimed Nigerian writer and academic, Okey Ndibe, was arrested or detained at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on 1 June 2026.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS clarified that its interaction with Mr Ndibe at the airport was part of a routine process connected to the review and possible removal of individuals from its watchlist.
“The Department of State Services hereby clarifies that it did not arrest or detain Prof Okey Ndibe at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on June 1, 2026 or any other place on that date for that matter,” the statement read.
Reports had emerged on Monday claiming that Mr Ndibe was arrested and detained by DSS operatives upon his arrival in Nigeria through the Lagos airport.
The reports triggered reactions from civil society organisations and media stakeholders, raising concerns over press freedom and civic rights before the DSS issued its clarification.
DSS explains watchlist review process
According to the DSS, the current Director-General had ordered a review of long-standing Watch-List Actions, some dating back to the military era, to prevent citizens from facing embarrassment due to outdated security alerts.
The agency explained that individuals previously placed on security watchlists are routinely invited for interaction during transit as part of a process that may lead to their eventual delisting.
“In this regard, all those who had previously been watchlisted while on transit are routinely interfaced with as a prerequisite for a review and possible downgrade of the Action. This, being a precursor to a final delisting in accordance with international best practices,” the DSS stated.
The Service added that the review process helps determine whether the activities and travel histories of affected persons still justify their inclusion on the watchlist.
Ndibe’s watchlist status reviewed
The DSS disclosed that Mr Ndibe had been on its watchlist since 29 January 2013, but noted that his case had already been reviewed and downgraded.
“In the same vein, Prof Ndibe has been on Watchlist since January 29, 2013. Meanwhile, his case has been reviewed and downgraded. Thus, the interface with him at the airport was geared towards the final delisting of his details from the Action,” the statement added.
The agency further stated that the interaction lasted less than an hour and that Mr Ndibe was subsequently cleared and escorted.
“As part of the routine interface involved in the process, after barely an hour of his interaction with the Service, he was cleared and escorted,” the DSS said.
DSS references Ndibe’s facebook post
The Service also referenced a Facebook post by Mr Ndibe in which he reportedly acknowledged the professionalism and conduct of DSS operatives during the encounter.
“Even on his Facebook post, he referenced the professional, courteous and decorous conduct of Service operatives, who continue to scale their respect for the rule of law and human rights under the new leadership,” the agency stated.
The DSS noted that several Nigerians, including journalists, had benefited from the ongoing review process. It cited the case of Mr Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, whose removal from the watchlist was approved in May 2025 after more than a decade.
The Service reiterated its commitment to ensuring fair treatment of citizens and encouraged individuals who believe they may still be on outdated watchlists to formally contact its headquarters for review.
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