Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
A source has dismissed reports alleging that the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested or detained renowned academic and writer, Prof. Okey Ndibe, upon his arrival in Nigeria from the United States.
According to the source, Prof. Ndibe only underwent routine questioning by security officials at the airport on June 1, 2026, in line with standard border control procedures and international best practices.
The source explained that the engagement stemmed from a Watch-List Action (WLA) reportedly initiated against the professor in 2013 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
It was further gathered that the current Director-General of the DSS had recently downgraded the watch-list classification as part of an ongoing review of old cases.
According to the source, individuals previously placed on watch lists are being engaged as part of procedures aimed at facilitating their final delisting.
The source added that Prof. Ndibe departed the airport approximately 30 minutes after the interaction with security officials.
The clarification followed social media reports alleging that the literary scholar had been arrested or detained by the DSS on arrival in the country.
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