Okey Ndibe confirms release by DSS after airport incident

Nigerian author and columnist Okey Ndibe has confirmed his release by the Department of State Services (DSS) after a more than three-hour detention at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Ndibe shared his confirmation in a Facebook post on Tuesday, expressing gratitude for the concern shown by friends and well-wishers.

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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.

Despite the experience, Ndibe reported that the DSS agents he interacted with were professional and courteous throughout the detention period. "The two agents who interacted with me were quite courteous throughout the three-plus hours of my detention. I’d like to confirm that I’ve been released," he wrote. He also mentioned receiving numerous calls from supporters globally and promised to return them in the coming days, assuring everyone that he is "fine and in excellent spirits."

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The two agents who interacted with me were quite courteous throughout the three-plus hours of my detention. I’d like to confirm that I’ve been released.

However, the DSS has issued a statement denying that Ndibe was arrested or detained. The agency described the interaction as part of an ongoing review of security watchlists, including some dating back to the military era. According to the DSS, the current Director-General ordered this review to prevent citizens from facing "unnecessary inconvenience arising from outdated security alerts."

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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.

The agency clarified that individuals previously placed on watchlists are routinely invited for interaction as part of a review process that could lead to the downgrading or removal of their watchlist status. The DSS maintained that its engagement with Ndibe was connected to this review process and not an arrest or detention.

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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.