The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied reports that renowned author and academic Professor Okey Ndibe was arrested or detained at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on June 1, 2026, clarifying that his interaction with operatives was part of an ongoing review process aimed at removing outdated names from the agency’s watchlist system.
In a statement issued on Monday, the DSS said claims of an arrest were inaccurate and stressed that the engagement with the professor was a routine administrative procedure connected to the review and possible removal of longstanding Watch-List Actions (WLAs).
“The Department of State Services (DSS) 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 ordered a comprehensive review of historical watchlist records upon assuming office, including entries dating back to the military era. The objective, the agency said, is to prevent citizens from experiencing unnecessary inconvenience or embarrassment as a result of outdated security alerts.
The security agency explained that individuals whose names appear on the watchlist are routinely invited for engagement as part of a process that could lead to the downgrading and eventual removal of such entries.
“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 DSS said.
The agency noted that the review process allows officials to verify that an individual’s current activities, travel history and engagements no longer align with the reasons that initially led to their inclusion on the watchlist.
The DSS further disclosed that several Nigerians, including journalists and civil society figures, have already benefited from the exercise under the current management.
As an example, the Service referenced the case of Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), whose watchlist status was reportedly removed in May 2025 after more than a decade.
“A case in point is that of Mr Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, IPC, whose delisting was approved in May 2025, after over a decade on the Watchlist,” the statement noted.
Providing specific details about Ndibe’s case, the DSS revealed that the professor had been on its watchlist since January 29, 2013. The agency, however, stated that his case had already undergone review and had been downgraded prior to the airport encounter.
“In the same vein, Prof Ndibe has been on 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 DSS said.
The agency maintained that the interaction lasted less than an hour and concluded with Ndibe being cleared and escorted.
“As part of the routine interface involved in the process, after barely an hour of his interaction with the Service, he was cleared and escorted,” the statement added.
The DSS also pointed to comments reportedly made by Ndibe himself regarding the conduct of the operatives involved.
“Note that, 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,” the agency stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the DSS said the watchlist review initiative would continue to ensure fairness and compliance with legal standards.
“The Service reiterates that this process will continue to ensure that all Nigerians are fairly treated, with due regard to the provisions of the Law,” it said.
The agency also encouraged individuals who believe they may still be affected by historical watchlist actions to formally contact its national headquarters to facilitate review, while stressing that the ongoing audit and cleanup of watchlist records would continue regardless of whether formal complaints are submitted.
The clarification comes amid public discussion surrounding reports of Ndibe’s airport encounter and highlights the broader effort by the security agency to review and modernise longstanding watchlist mechanisms inherited from previous administrations.
