The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied reports that it arrested or detained Professor Okey Ndibe at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on June 1.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the Service said it was “setting the record straight” on claims surrounding Ndibe’s alleged arrest.
“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 at any other location on that date,” the statement read.
The DSS explained that the current Director-General, upon assuming office, ordered a review of longstanding Watch-List Actions (WLAs)—some dating back to the military era—to prevent citizens from being unduly embarrassed by outdated records.
According to the agency, individuals previously placed on watchlists may be engaged during transit as part of a review process that could lead to a downgrade and eventual removal from the list.
“This serves as a precursor to final delisting in line with international best practices,” the Service stated.
It added that the process is designed to verify whether the activities, travel history, and current engagements of affected individuals still justify their initial placement on the watchlist.
The DSS noted that several Nigerians, including journalists, have benefited from the exercise. It cited the case of Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), whose name was removed from the watchlist in May 2025 after more than a decade.
The agency disclosed that Prof. Ndibe had been on its watchlist since January 29, 2013, but that his case had since been reviewed and downgraded.
“In the same vein, Prof. Ndibe has been on the watchlist since January 29, 2013. However, his case has been reviewed and downgraded. The interaction with him at the airport was part of the process leading to the final delisting of his details,” the statement added.
The DSS said Ndibe was cleared after “barely an hour” of engagement and was subsequently escorted by its officials.
It further noted that Ndibe acknowledged the conduct of its personnel, referencing in a Facebook post the “professional, courteous and decorous” behaviour of operatives, which it said reflects the Service’s growing commitment to the rule of law and respect for human rights under its current leadership.
Reaffirming its commitment to fairness and due process, the DSS said the review of watchlist records would continue to ensure Nigerians are treated in accordance with the law.
The Service also urged individuals who believe they may be affected by a Watch-List Action to formally contact its National Headquarters to facilitate review, assuring that efforts to update and streamline the system remain ongoing.
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