The Department of State Services (DSS), has dismissed claims that renowned Nigerian writer and academic, Professor Okey Ndibe, was arrested or detained at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, describing the airport encounter as part of an ongoing review of longstanding watch-list records.
In a statement signed by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the Service said the interaction with Prof. Ndibe lasted less than an hour and was connected to administrative procedures tied to the planned removal of his name from a security watch list dating back to January 29, 2013.
The DSS explained that the current leadership recently ordered a comprehensive review of old Watch-List Actions, some inherited from the military era, to prevent Nigerians from facing unnecessary embarrassment over outdated security records.
According to the Service, individuals previously placed on watch lists are routinely engaged during transit as part of a verification process conducted before their names are downgraded or completely removed from the system.
The secret Police stressed that the process involves reviewing travel history, recent engagements, and other relevant activities to determine whether the original basis for the watch-list classification still exists.
Referencing Prof. Ndibe’s own reaction after the incident, the DSS noted that the literary scholar acknowledged the professionalism and courteous conduct of its operatives during the airport interaction.
The Service also cited the case of International Press Centre Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, whose name was removed from the watch list in May 2025 after more than a decade.
Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and citizens’ rights, the DSS urged Nigerians who believe they may still be affected by outdated watch-list actions to formally approach the Service Headquarters for review.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
