June 02, (THEWILL) — The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied arresting or detaining renowned Nigerian author and public intellectual, Prof. Okey Ndibe, insisting that his recent stop at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, was part of a routine process to review and remove his name from a security watchlist on which he had remained since 2013.
The clarification comes amid controversy sparked by reports that the scholar was detained for several hours by DSS operatives upon his arrival in Nigeria on Monday, June 1, 2026, triggering widespread reactions from civil society groups, journalists, academics and supporters across the globe.
The incident had prompted the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) to condemn what it described as Ndibe’s arbitrary detention and demand his immediate release.
However, in a statement titled “RE: Arrest of Professor Okey Ndibe – Setting the Records Straight”, the DSS said reports suggesting that the literary icon was arrested or detained were inaccurate.
“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 agency stated.
According to the DSS, the current Director-General of the Service ordered a comprehensive review of longstanding Watch-List Actions (WLAs) upon assuming office, including some entries dating back to the military era.
The agency explained that the initiative was designed to prevent Nigerians from suffering embarrassment or inconvenience due to outdated security records and to ensure that watchlist decisions are periodically reassessed in line with legal standards and international best practices.
The Service disclosed that Ndibe had been on its watchlist since January 29, 2013, but that his status had since been reviewed and downgraded as part of the ongoing exercise.
It said the interaction with the scholar at the Lagos airport was intended to facilitate the final phase of the delisting process.
“In the same vein, Prof Ndibe has been on the 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 read.
The DSS further maintained that the interaction lasted for “barely an hour”, after which the professor was cleared and escorted.
The agency explained that individuals whose names appear on security watchlists are routinely engaged before final delisting to ascertain that their current activities, travel history, and engagements no longer align with the circumstances that led to their initial listing.
According to the Service, the exercise is not limited to names generated internally, as it also handles watchlist requests originating from other government and security agencies.
The DSS noted that several Nigerians have benefited from the ongoing review process, citing the case of Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), whose name was reportedly removed from the watchlist in May 2025 after spending more than a decade on the list.
The agency also pointed to Ndibe’s own account of the airport encounter, noting that the writer acknowledged the professional conduct of the officers who engaged him.
Following his release, Ndibe took to Facebook to reassure friends and supporters who had expressed concern over his ordeal.
“I am so grateful for the expressions of concern by many friends, acquaintances and others over my detention earlier today by the DSS at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The two agents who interacted with me were quite courteous throughout the three+ hours of my detention. I’d like to confirm that I’ve been released”, he wrote.
The author disclosed that he received calls and messages from different parts of the world following reports of the incident and thanked those who reached out in solidarity.
“Dozens of people have called me from different parts of the world. I was only able to speak to a few. In the coming days, I’ll find time to return more calls. But I want all to know that I am fine and in excellent spirits. I treasure your messages and gestures of friendship”, he added.
Despite the DSS clarification, the incident has reignited debate about the transparency of Nigeria’s security watchlist system, the duration for which citizens can remain on such lists, and the safeguards available to ensure that individuals are not subjected to undue restrictions or scrutiny without adequate justification.
The Service, however, maintained that its watchlist review programme would continue as part of broader reforms aimed at ensuring fairness, respect for the rule of law and protection of citizens’ rights.
It urged Nigerians who believe they may still be affected by Watch-List Actions to formally contact the DSS National Headquarters to facilitate review and possible delisting, while assuring the public that the ongoing cleanup exercise would be sustained.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
