The Department of State Services (DSS) has debunked reports that it arrested or detained Professor Okey Ndibe at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on June 1.
The Service, in a statement on Tuesday by Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, said it was “setting the records straight” on reports of Ndibe’s alleged arrest.
“The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to clarify 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,” the statement said.
The current Director-General, upon assuming office, ordered 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 because of existing watchlist records, the DSS said.
The Service stated that individuals previously placed on watchlists while in transit are routinely interfaced as part of a review process that could result in a downgrade of the action and eventual removal from the watchlist.
“This is a precursor to a final delisting in line with international best practices,” the DSS said.
The agency said the process is designed to confirm that the activities, travel histories and current engagements of those affected no longer match up to the reasons why they were placed on the watchlist in the first place.
The DSS said many Nigerians including journalists have benefited from the exercise. It cited the example of Mr Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), who was delisted in May 2025 after being on the watchlist for over a decade.
The Service said Prof Ndibe had been on its watchlist since January 29, 2013 but that his case has since been reviewed and downgraded.
“Similarly, Prof Ndibe has been on Watchlist since January 29, 2013. Meanwhile his case has been reconsidered and downgraded. “Therefore the contact with him at the airport, was geared towards the final delisting of his details from the Action,” the statement said.
It said Ndibe was cleared and escorted after “barely an hour” of interaction with DSS officials.
The agency also stated that Ndibe himself admitted to the behavior of its personnel, saying 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 DSS reiterated that the review would continue to ensure that all Nigerians are treated fairly and according to the law.
The Service also encouraged citizens who feel they have been affected by a Watch-List Action to formally reach-out to the National Headquarters to aid in the ongoing review process, while assuring that efforts to clean up and update the watchlist system would continue.
