By Ayo Kehinde
Renowned Nigerian author, academic, and public intellectual, Okey Ndibe, has confirmed his release by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) after being detained for more than three hours at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on Monday.
Ndibe disclosed his release in a Facebook post hours after reports of his detention triggered widespread concern among friends, colleagues, civil society organisations, and supporters across Nigeria and abroad.
The scholar, who had earlier become the subject of public advocacy by rights groups demanding his freedom, said he was grateful for the overwhelming support and expressions of concern that followed news of the incident.
“I am so grateful for the expressions of concern by many friends, acquaintances, and others over my detention earlier today by the DSS at Murtala Muhammed International Airport,” Ndibe wrote.
While confirming that he had regained his freedom, the writer noted that the DSS personnel who dealt with him during the period of detention conducted themselves professionally.
“The two agents who interacted with me were quite courteous throughout the three+ hours of my detention. I’d like to confirm that I’ve been released,” he stated.
The development came shortly after the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) condemned the incident and demanded his immediate release, describing the reported detention as arbitrary and raising concerns about the recurring treatment of the scholar by security authorities.
Although Ndibe did not disclose the specific reason he was stopped at the airport, his confirmation of release appeared to ease fears among supporters who had expressed concern over his welfare after reports emerged that he had been held by security operatives upon his arrival in Nigeria.
According to the author, the incident generated reactions from various parts of the world, with numerous individuals reaching out to check on his well-being.
“Dozens of people have called me from different parts of the world. I was only able to speak to a few. In the coming days, I’ll find time to return more calls. But I want all to know that I am fine and in excellent spirits. I treasure your messages and gestures of friendship,” he said.
Despite his release, questions remain regarding the circumstances that led to the detention and whether his name was flagged on a security watchlist or subjected to additional screening measures by the spy organization.
The Department of State Services (DSS, in its official response on Tuesday 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.
Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications
National Headquarters, State Services, Favour Dozie, said on Tuesday that 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.
“In this regard, all those who had previously been watchlisted while on transit, are routinely interfaced with as a prerequisite for a review and possible downgrade of the Action. This, being a precursor to a final delisting in accordance with international best practices. It is pertinent to state that the foregoing process is aimed at ensuring that before the final delisting, that 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 WLA.”
Dozie further said that since the inception of the current Management , many Nigerians, including journalists have benefited from this process. This is despite the fact that the Service conducts this clearance to take care of Watch List requests from other Agencies. A case in point is that of Mr Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, IPC, whose delisting was approved in May 2025, after over a decade on the Watchlist.
In the same vein, he said, 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. As part of the routine interface involved in the process, after barely an hour of his interaction with the Service, he was cleared and escorted.
“Note 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 Service reiterates that this process will continue to ensure that all Nigerians are fairly treated, with due regard to the provisions of the Law.
“The DSS therefore urges citizens affected by the Service WLA, who wish, to formally report same to the National Headquarters to facilitate ongoing process. However, regardless of any formal request, the attempt at hygiene regarding the WLA, will be sustained.”
Ndibe, a respected novelist, columnist, and commentator, is widely recognised for his contributions to literature and public discourse. His writings on governance, democracy, accountability, and social justice have earned him both national and international acclaim.
