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The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Center (RULAAC) expresses deep concern over reports that renowned Nigerian writer, academic and public intellectual, Professor Okey Ndibe, was arrested 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 officers and detained for several hours while the officers awaited clearance from higher authorities before allowing him entry into the country.
Reports also 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 determined that there was no legal basis for its continuation.
According to the Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Center RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, if these reports are accurate, they raise troubling questions about the continued use of security checklists, 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 detentions without explanation, charges, 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 the Constitution of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to personal liberty, freedom of movement, freedom of expression and protection from arbitrary detention. Security agencies are obliged 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should be subjected to repeated harassment, inconvenience, reputational damage, or arbitrary restrictions due to outdated records, bureaucratic inefficiency, or the expression of critical views,” it said.
Accordingly, RULAAC calls on the DSS to:
1. Release Professor Okey Ndibe immediately if he remains in custody and make public the legal basis for his detention.
2. Provide a clear explanation of the circumstances that led to this latest incident.
3. Conduct an urgent review of your checklist and licensing procedures to prevent the recurrence of unlawful detentions.
4. Ensure that agents at ports of entry act in accordance with constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards.
5. Establish transparent accountability mechanisms to address complaints arising from unlawful detention and harassment by security personnel.
We further urge the relevant supervisory 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, legally and with respect for the rights and dignity of all people.
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.
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