The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied reports that Nigerian writer and academic Okey Ndibe was arrested or detained at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The agency said its interaction with Ndibe on 01 June was part of a routine review process aimed at removing individuals from its watchlist and not an arrest as widely reported.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the Service explained that the exercise was in line with ongoing efforts to review old watchlist actions, some of which date back to the military era.
According to the DSS, the review was initiated by the current Director-General to ensure that citizens are not unnecessarily inconvenienced or embarrassed by longstanding watchlist records.
“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 said.
The agency explained that individuals who were previously placed on watchlists are routinely engaged during international travel as part of a process that could lead to the downgrading and eventual removal of their names from the list.
The DSS disclosed that Ndibe had been on its watchlist since 29 January 2013, but said his case had already been reviewed and downgraded.
It noted that the airport interaction was conducted to facilitate his final delisting and was completed within a short period.
“In the same vein, Prof. Ndibe has been on a watchlist since 29 January 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,” the statement added.
The Service said Ndibe was cleared and escorted after spending less than an hour with its officials.
It also pointed to Ndibe’s own account of the encounter, noting that he acknowledged the professionalism and courtesy of the operatives involved.
The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to respecting the rights of citizens and operating within the rule of law.
The agency further advised individuals who believe they may still be affected by old watchlist actions to formally contact its headquarters for review and possible delisting.
Reports had emerged on Monday alleging that Ndibe was arrested and detained by DSS operatives shortly after arriving in Lagos, prompting concerns from civil society groups and media stakeholders.
The Service, however, insists that no arrest took place and that the interaction formed part of an administrative review process.
