Okey Ndibe, a Nigerian author and columnist has confirmed his release following an interrogation by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Ndibe disclosed the development in a Facebook post on Monday, expressing appreciation to friends, associates and well-wishers who reached out after reports emerged that he had been stopped by security operatives at the airport.
The renowned writer said he was held for more than three hours but noted that the DSS officers who interacted with him remained professional and courteous throughout the encounter.
“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.
“The two agents who interacted with me were quite courteous throughout the three-plus hours of my detention. I’d like to confirm that I’ve been released,” he added.
According to Ndibe, he received numerous calls and messages from supporters across different parts of the world following news of the incident, adding that he would respond to them in due course.
Despite his account, the DSS denied arresting or detaining the author.
In a statement issued by Favour Dozie, its deputy director of public relations and strategic communications, the agency said its interaction with Ndibe was part of an ongoing review of security watchlists and not an arrest.
“The Department of State Services hereby clarifies that 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,” the statement said.
The agency explained that the Director-General had directed a review of longstanding watch-list actions, including some dating back to the military era, to prevent citizens from being subjected to unnecessary inconvenience due to outdated security alerts.
According to the DSS, individuals previously placed on watchlists are often invited for interactions as part of a review process that could lead to the downgrading or removal of their watchlist status.
