Department of State Services (DSS) has explained the incident involving Prof. Okey Ndibe at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos yesterday, stressing that the service has reviewed its watchlist to ensure that people are not unlawfully embarrassed.

The clarification by the agency comes as Ndibe confirmed his release by the operatives of the DSS at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, National Headquarters, State Services, Favour Dozie, in a statement on X, stated that following the review, all those who had previously been watchlisted while in transit are routinely interfaced with as a prerequisite for a review and possible downgrade of the action.

Doxie said: “DSS 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 for that matter.”

The DSS urged citizens affected by the Service WLA, who wish, to formally report the same to the National Headquarters to facilitate the ongoing process.

IN confirming his release, Ndibe, in a Facebook post yesterday, wrote that he was held for more than three hours at the Lagos airport.

The renowned author thanked friends, acquaintances and well-wishers who expressed concern following reports 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,” he wrote.

Despite the experience, Ndibe said the DSS officers who engaged with him conducted themselves professionally throughout the period.

“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.

The writer revealed that he received numerous calls from supporters and associates across different parts of the world after news of the incident spread, though he was unable to respond to most of them immediately.

MEANWHILE, a professor of Strategy and Development and Director, Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), Anthony Kila, has described the reported detention of Ndibe as vulgar, vexatious and worrisome.

Kila, in a statement made available to The Guardian, yesterday, expressed concern about what he described as an outdated tendency to subject scholars, writers, and public intellectuals to avoidable harassment, arguing that such actions project an image of inefficiency and misplaced priorities.

According to Kila, detaining an internationally respected writer and intellectual is not merely an affront to an individual but a troubling signal about how a society values knowledge, talent, and critical thinking.

The academic argued that the incident raised broader questions about the quality of information management and coordination within the nation’s security architecture.

Kila noted that security agencies ought to direct their attention and resources to addressing genuine threats to public safety rather than creating unnecessary difficulties for citizens, particularly individuals known for their intellectual and professional contributions.

He further questioned the rationale for detaining citizens in situations where there was no immediate threat to public safety, arguing that such actions would contribute to a culture of anxiety and mistrust between citizens and public institutions.