The Department of State Services (DSS) has dismissed reports alleging that renowned Nigerian author and academic, Prof. Okey Ndibe, was arrested or detained at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on June 1, 2026.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the agency clarified that Ndibe was only subjected to a routine review process connected to a longstanding Watch-List Action (WLA) and was neither arrested nor detained at any point.
The statement, signed by the DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, explained that the current Director-General of the Service had ordered a comprehensive review of old watchlist records, some of which date back to the military era, to prevent citizens from being unnecessarily inconvenienced.
According to the agency, individuals previously placed on watchlists are routinely engaged during transit as part of an assessment process that could lead to the downgrading or eventual removal of their names from the list.
The DSS noted that the exercise is designed to ensure that those affected are no longer involved in activities linked to the reasons for their original watchlisting, while also aligning the process with international best practices.
The Service added that several Nigerians, including journalists, have benefited from the review initiative. It cited the case of Lanre Arogundade, executive director of the International Press Centre (IPC), whose name was removed from the watchlist in May 2025 after more than a decade.
Providing details on Ndibe’s case, the DSS disclosed that the academic had been on its watchlist since January 29, 2013. However, following a review, his status has now been downgraded, with the airport interaction serving as part of the final process toward delisting him.
The agency stated that Ndibe spent less than an hour with officials before being cleared and escorted, stressing that the engagement was conducted professionally and courteously.
The DSS also pointed to Ndibe’s own Facebook post, where he reportedly acknowledged the respectful conduct of operatives during the encounter.
Reaffirming its commitment to fairness and the rule of law, the service said it would continue reviewing old Watch-List Actions to ensure that affected Nigerians are treated in accordance with legal provisions.
The agency further encouraged individuals who believe they may still be affected by existing watchlist actions to formally contact its headquarters to facilitate the review process while assuring that the ongoing cleanup of the watchlist system would continue regardless of formal requests.
