The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied reports alleging that it arrested or detained US-based Nigerian author and academic, Professor Okey Ndibe, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
The clarification was issued on Tuesday by the DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie.
According to the service, its engagement with Ndibe was part of a routine administrative process aimed at reviewing and removing individuals from its watchlist, not an arrest.
It explained that the current Director-General, upon assumption of office, ordered a review of existing Watch-List Actions (WLAs), some of which date back to the military era, to ensure that citizens are not unnecessarily embarrassed due to outdated listings.
The DSS stated that individuals previously placed on watchlists while in transit are usually interfaced with as part of the procedure for review, possible downgrade, and eventual delisting in line with international best practices.
The statement added that the process also ensures that such individuals’ recent activities and travel history do not still align with the original reasons for their inclusion on the watchlist.
The service disclosed that Ndibe had been placed on its watchlist since January 29, 2013, but his case had since been reviewed and downgraded ahead of a final delisting.
It further clarified that his brief interaction at the airport was part of the final stage of the process, adding that he was cleared and escorted after less than an hour.
The DSS also noted that Ndibe himself acknowledged the professional and courteous conduct of its operatives, describing the engagement as orderly and respectful.
