Nigeria DSS says Okey Ndibe airport encounter not an arrest

The Department of State Services has clarified that its interaction with U.S.-based Nigerian writer and academic Okey Ndibe at Lagos's Murtala Muhammed International Airport on June 1 was not an arrest or detention, but part of a routine administrative process to remove individuals from outdated watchlists. The agency issued the statement on Tuesday following widespread reports and social media speculation that Ndibe had been detained upon his arrival in Nigeria.

In a statement delivered by Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications Favour Dozie, the DSS firmly denied any arrest took place. The agency explained that its current director general had ordered a comprehensive review of old WatchList Actions, some dating to the military era, to prevent citizens from facing unnecessary embarrassment due to pre-existing security alerts. As part of this review, individuals previously watchlisted are routinely engaged during transit to facilitate a final assessment and delisting.

According to the DSS, Ndibe had been on its watchlist since January 29, 2013. The agency stated his case had already been reviewed and downgraded, and the airport interaction was intended...