DSS denies arrest of Okey Ndibe, says airport encounter was routine
The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied reports that Professor Okey Ndibe was arrested or detained at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on June 1, describing the airport encounter as a routine administrative process linked to a review of his watchlist status.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the DSS said, “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 Service explained that its current leadership had ordered a review of old Watch-List Actions (WLAs), some dating back to the military era, to prevent citizens from being unnecessarily inconvenienced or embarrassed.
According to the DSS, individuals whose names remain on the watchlist are routinely engaged as part of a process that could lead to the downgrading or eventual removal of their names from the list.
“This, being a precursor to a final delisting in accordance with international best practices,” the agency stated, adding that the process helps determine whether the reasons for the initial watchlist action still apply.
The DSS disclosed that Ndibe had been on its watchlist since January 29, 2013, but noted that his case had already been reviewed and downgraded.
“In the same vein, Prof 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,” the statement said.
The agency further stated that the interaction lasted less than an hour and ended with Ndibe being cleared to continue his journey.
