DSS denies arrest of Okey Ndibe ABUJA, NIGERIA — 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, 2026.
Instead, the agency said its officers only interacted with the professor as part of an ongoing review of old Watch-List Actions (WLAs).
According to the DSS, the current Director-General ordered a review of watchlist records, including some dating back to the military era. The move aims to prevent unnecessary embarrassment for affected citizens.
“The Department of State Services 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.”
DSS denies arrest of Okey Ndibe: Review Process Targets Old Watchlists
The Service explained that it routinely engages individuals on the watchlist before reviewing or downgrading their status. This process often serves as a step toward complete removal from the list.
Furthermore, officials use the review to verify that an individual’s current activities no longer relate to the reasons for the original watchlist action.
SEE ALSO: After ₦16.3bn in 34 Months, Why Is Orire Still Underdeveloped?
“This 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 Watch-List Action.”
Several Nigerians Have Benefited
The DSS said many Nigerians, including journalists, have already benefited from the review exercise.
The agency cited the case of Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC). Authorities approved his delisting in May 2025 after he spent more than a decade on the watchlist.
Ndibe’s Watchlist Status Reviewed
The DSS disclosed that Prof. Ndibe had remained on its watchlist since January 29, 2013.
However, the agency has now reviewed and downgraded his case. Officials said they met him at the airport to complete the final stage of his delisting process.
“After barely an hour of his interaction with the Service, he was cleared and escorted.”
The agency also noted that Prof. Ndibe acknowledged the professionalism of DSS personnel in his Facebook post.
“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.”
DSS Reaffirms Commitment to Fairness
The Service reiterated its commitment to due process, fairness, and respect for citizens’ rights.
It also encouraged individuals who believe they remain on the watchlist to contact its National Headquarters for review.
Meanwhile, the agency vowed to continue cleaning up outdated watchlist records regardless of whether affected persons submit formal requests.
“The attempt at hygiene regarding the Watch-List Action will be sustained.”
The statement was signed by Favour Dozie, Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, National Headquarters, State Services, and dated June 2, 2026.
Leave a Reply