Okey Ndibe Released by DSS After Airport Detention

Okey Ndibe, a renowned Nigerian author and columnist, confirmed his release by the Department of State Services (DSS) following an incident at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on June 1, 2026. Ndibe disclosed his release via a Facebook post on Monday, stating he was held for three hours at the airport.

He thanked friends and acquaintances for their concern after reports of his detention circulated. Ndibe noted that the DSS officers conducted themselves professionally during the interaction.

The DSS clarified in a statement issued on Tuesday by Deputy Director of Public Relations, Favour Dozi, that Ndibe was not arrested but was part of an ongoing review of a security watchlist. The statement emphasized that the interaction was routine and aimed at reviewing long-standing watchlist actions, which date back to the military era, to prevent unnecessary inconveniences for citizens.