Nigeria's DSS denies arresting writer Okey Ndibe

The Department of State Services (DSS) has refuted reports claiming it arrested or detained writer and academic Okey Ndibe at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on June 1, 2026. The agency clarified that its interaction with Ndibe was part of a standard procedure to review individuals on its watchlist.

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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.

In a statement released by Deputy Director Favour Dozie, the DSS explained that the current Director-General ordered a review of old watchlist actions, some dating back to the military era. This review aims to prevent citizens from facing unnecessary embarrassment due to outdated security alerts. Individuals previously placed on watchlists are routinely interviewed as part of this process, which can lead to the downgrading or removal of their watchlist status.

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In this regard, all those who had previously been watchlisted while on transit are routinely interfaced with as a prerequisite for a review and possible downgrade of the Action. This, being a precursor to a final delisting in accordance with international best practices.

The Service disclosed that Okey Ndibe had been on its watchlist since January 29, 2013. However, his case has since been reviewed and downgraded. The interaction at the airport was therefore a prerequisite for the final delisting of his details from the watchlist, a process the DSS described as being in accordance with international best practices.

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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.

According to the DSS, Ndibe was cleared after approximately one hour of interaction with officials. The agency also noted that Ndibe himself acknowledged the professional and courteous conduct of the operatives during the encounter in a Facebook post. The DSS stated that several Nigerians, including journalists, have benefited from this ongoing review exercise.

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Even on his Facebook post, he referenced the professional, courteous and decorous conduct of Service operatives, who continue to scale their respect for the rule of law and human rights under the new leadership.