*Says Airport Interface Was To Delist His Details From Watch-List Action
*Ndibe: I’m Fine, Released
BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR
THE Department of State Services (DSS) has hereby clarified that it did not arrest or detain renown author, academic and social critic, Okey Ndibe, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on June 1, or any other place on that date for that matter, as was reported by several news platforms on Monday, June 1.
The DSS, in a post on its X account, on Tuesday, June 2, titled, ‘Re: Arrest of Professor Okey Ndibe- setting the records straight,’ signed by the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, National Headquarters, Favour Dozie, recalled that its current Director General, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, “upon assumption of duty, directed a review of old Watch-List Actions (WLAs), some of which date back to the military era, to ensure that citizens are not unduly embarrassed due to pre-existing WLAs.”
According to the DSS: “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.
“It is pertinent to state that the foregoing process is aimed at ensuring that before the final delisting, that 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.
“Suffice to point out that since the inception of the current management, many Nigerians, including journalists, have benefited from this process, despite the fact that the Service conducts this clearance to take care of Watch List requests from other agencies.
“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.
“In the same vein, 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.
“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.
“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 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 Service, therefore, urged Nigerians affected by its WLA, who wish, to formally report same to its national headquarters to facilitate ongoing process.
It stated, however, that regardless of any formal request, the attempt at hygiene regarding the WLA, will be sustained.
On his part, the columnist, while confirming his release in a post on his Facebook page on Tuesday, expressed appreciation to friends, acquaintances and well-wishers who reached out to him after news of his detention broke.
He insisted he was actually held by DSS operatives for over three hours at the airport, adding that the officers who interacted with him were professional and courteous throughout the period.
“I am so grateful for the expressions of concern by many friends, acquaintances and others over my detention earlier today (Monday) by the DSS at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
“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.”
Ndibe disclosed that he received calls from dozens of people across different parts of the world following the incident, although he was only able to speak with a few of them.
He assured his supporters that he was in good health and high spirits, despite the experience, adding: “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.,” he added.
