DSS Denies Arresting Prof. Okey Ndibe, Says Airport Interaction Was Part of Watchlist Review Process

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

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the agency said Ndibe’s interaction with its operatives was part of an ongoing review of old Watch-List Actions (WLAs), some of which date back to the military era.

According to the DSS, the current Director-General had directed a comprehensive review of existing watchlists to prevent citizens from being unnecessarily embarrassed by outdated security flags.

The agency explained that individuals previously placed on watchlists are routinely engaged as part of a process that could lead to the downgrading and eventual removal of their names from the list. The review, it noted, is aimed at ensuring that the reasons for the original watchlisting no longer apply.

The DSS disclosed that Prof. Ndibe had been on its watchlist since January 29, 2013, but said his case had already been reviewed and downgraded.

It added that the airport interaction was intended to facilitate his final delisting from the watchlist and lasted less than an hour before he was cleared and escorted.

The security agency further noted that Ndibe himself acknowledged the professional conduct of DSS operatives in a social media post following the incident.

The Service stated that several Nigerians, including journalists, have benefited from the ongoing review exercise. It cited the case of , whose name was removed from the watchlist in May 2025 after spending more than a decade on it.

Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and human rights, the DSS said the review process would continue and encouraged affected individuals to formally contact its headquarters to facilitate the clearance process.

The agency maintained that the exercise is part of efforts to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with international best practices in security administration.