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The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) expresses deep concern over reports that renowned Nigerian writer, academic, and public intellectual, Professor Okey Ndibe, was detained by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) upon his arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Monday, June 1, 2026.
According to reports, Professor Ndibe was stopped by DSS operatives and held for several hours while officers allegedly awaited clearance from superior authorities before allowing him entry into the country.
The reports further indicate that this is not the first time he has been subjected to such treatment and that previous detentions ended with apologies from the agency after it was established that there was no lawful basis for his continued restriction.
According to Executive Director of Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, If these reports are accurate, they raise troubling questions about the continued use of security watchlists, the apparent failure to update security databases, and the recurring harassment of citizens based on their exercise of constitutionally protected rights, including freedom of expression.
Nwanguma said Professor Ndibe is a respected scholar, novelist, and commentator whose writings and public interventions have contributed significantly to democratic discourse in Nigeria. Subjecting him to repeated detention without explanation, charge, or due process not only violates his rights but also sends a chilling message to journalists, academics, and other citizens who engage in legitimate criticism of government policies and actions.
RULAAC reminds the DSS that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to personal liberty, freedom of movement, freedom of expression, and protection from arbitrary detention. Security agencies are obligated to carry out their responsibilities within the framework of the law and in a manner consistent with democratic principles and respect for human rights.
“The recurring nature of this incident, as reported, suggests systemic deficiencies that require urgent review. No citizen should be subjected to repeated harassment, inconvenience, reputational harm, or arbitrary restrictions because of outdated records, bureaucratic inefficiency, or the expression of critical opinions,” he said.
Accordingly, RULAAC calls on the DSS to:
1. Immediately release Professor Okey Ndibe if he remains in custody and publicly disclose the legal basis for his detention.
2. Provide a clear explanation for the circumstances that led to this latest incident.
3. Conduct an urgent review of its watchlist and clearance procedures to prevent the recurrence of wrongful detentions.
4. Ensure that officers at ports of entry act in accordance with constitutional safeguards and international human rights standards.
5. Establish transparent accountability mechanisms for addressing complaints arising from wrongful detention and harassment by security personnel.
We further urge the relevant oversight authorities, including the leadership of the DSS and the National Assembly committees responsible for intelligence and security services, to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident and take appropriate corrective measures.
Democracy thrives where citizens are free to express dissenting opinions without fear of intimidation or arbitrary treatment by state institutions. The professionalism and legitimacy of security agencies are strengthened—not weakened—when they operate transparently, lawfully, and with respect for the rights and dignity of all persons.
RULAAC will continue to monitor developments and calls on all authorities to uphold the rule of law and Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to fundamental human rights.
