DSS Denies Arrest of Prof Okey Ndibe, Explains Airport Interaction

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied reports that it arrested or detained renowned academic and writer, Prof. Okey Ndibe, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on June 1, 2026.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the agency said Prof. Ndibe was neither arrested nor detained, describing the interaction with him as part of an ongoing review of old Watch-List Actions (WLAs).

According to the DSS, the current Director-General directed a comprehensive review of longstanding watch-list records, some of which date back to the military era, to prevent citizens from being unnecessarily inconvenienced due to outdated security listings.

The Service explained that individuals previously placed on watch lists are routinely engaged as part of a process aimed at reviewing, downgrading, and eventually removing their names from the list in line with international best practices.

The DSS noted that the process involves verifying that the individuals’ current activities and travel histories no longer align with the reasons for their original inclusion on the watch list.

The agency disclosed that many Nigerians, including journalists, have benefited from the exercise. It cited the case of Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), whose name was removed from the watch list in May 2025 after more than a decade.

Regarding Prof. Ndibe, the DSS stated that he had been on its watch list since January 29, 2013, but that his case had already been reviewed and downgraded. It explained that the airport interaction was conducted to facilitate the final removal of his details from the watch list.

The Service said the engagement lasted less than an hour, after which Prof. Ndibe was cleared and escorted. It also pointed out that the professor acknowledged the professionalism and courteous conduct of DSS operatives in his social media comments.

Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and respect for human rights, the DSS said the review of watch-list records would continue to ensure fair treatment of all Nigerians.

The agency further encouraged individuals who believe they may be affected by existing Watch-List Actions to formally contact its national headquarters to support the ongoing review process, while assuring that efforts to sanitize the watch-list system would be sustained.