DSS Clarifies Prof Okey Ndibe Incident Was Routine Watchlist Review, Not Arrest

The Department of State Services (DSS) has clarified 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.

The clarification was made in a statement by Favour Dozie, Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, National Headquarters, State Services, on June 2.

"The current DG of the Service, upon assumption of duty, directed a review of old Watch-List Actions (WLAs), some of which date back to the Military Era. This is to ensure that citizens are not unduly embarrassed due to pre-existing WLAs," the statement read.

"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 stated that the process is aimed at ensuring that before final delisting, activities, travel histories, and current activities of these individuals are not in furtherance of and do not still conform with the reasons for the initial WLA.

"Suffice to point out that since the inception of the current Management, many Nigerians, including journalists have benefited from this process. This is despite the fact that the Service conducts this clearance to take care of Watch List requests from other Agencies," the statement added.

"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 further noted that Prof Ndibe has been on the Watchlist since January 29, 2013, and his case has been reviewed and downgraded.

"The interface with him at the airport was geared towards the final delisting of his details from the Action. 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 DSS noted that in his Facebook post, Ndibe himself referenced the professional, courteous, and decorous conduct of Service operatives.

"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."