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Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has denied reports that renowned writer and academic Professor Okey Ndibe was arrested or detained at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Monday.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Service said claims surrounding Ndibe’s alleged arrest were inaccurate, insisting that the interaction with the professor was part of an administrative review process linked to longstanding watchlist procedures.
According to the DSS, the current Director-General, upon assuming office, ordered a review of old Watch-List Actions (WLAs), some of which date back to Nigeria’s military era. The review, the agency explained, is intended to prevent citizens from experiencing unnecessary embarrassment caused by outdated security listings.
The Service noted that individuals previously placed on watchlists are routinely invited for what it described as an “interface” process. This engagement, it said, serves as a preliminary step toward reassessment, possible downgrading, and eventual removal from the watchlist in line with “international best practices.”
“It is pertinent to state that the foregoing process is aimed at ensuring that before the final delisting, activities, travel histories as well as current activities of these individuals are not in furtherance of and do not still conform with the reasons for the initial WLA,” the statement read.
The DSS disclosed that Professor Ndibe had been on its watchlist since January 29, 2013, but said his case had already been reviewed and downgraded. It explained that the airport interaction was connected to the final stage of removing his details from the list.
According to the agency, Ndibe’s engagement with operatives lasted “barely an hour,” after which he was cleared and escorted.
The Service further cited Ndibe’s own social media remarks, noting that, in a Facebook post, the professor acknowledged the “professional, courteous and decorous conduct” of the officers involved in the encounter.
The DSS added that several Nigerians, including journalists, have benefited from the ongoing review process. It cited the case of Mr Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), whose delisting was approved in May 2025 after more than ten years on the watchlist.
While acknowledging that some watchlist requests originate from other security agencies, the DSS maintained that the current leadership remains committed to improving compliance with the rule of law and human rights.
The agency encouraged Nigerians who believe they may still be affected by old watchlist actions to formally contact its national headquarters to support the review process. However, it stressed that the ongoing “hygiene” exercise surrounding legacy watchlists would continue regardless of formal complaints.
“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,” the statement added.
