Nigerian author and columnist, Okey Ndibe, has confirmed his release by operatives of the Department of State Services at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
Ndibe disclosed his release in a Facebook post on Monday, saying 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.
“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,” Ndibe said.
However, the DSS has denied reports that Ndibe was arrested or detained at the airport.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the agency described its interaction with the author as part of an ongoing review of security watchlists.
“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 for that matter,” the statement said.
According to the DSS, the current Director-General had ordered a review of longstanding watch-list actions, including some dating back to the military era, to prevent citizens from being subjected to unnecessary inconvenience arising from outdated security alerts.
The agency maintained that its engagement with Ndibe was connected to that review process and not an arrest or detention.
According to the Service, individuals previously placed on watchlists are routinely invited for interaction as part of a review process that could lead to the downgrading or removal of their watchlist status.
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