The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has condemned what it described as the “arbitrary and repeated detention” of renowned Nigerian writer and academic, Prof Okey Ndibe, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, calling for his immediate and unconditional release as well as urgent reforms within Nigeria’s security screening architecture.
RULAAC, in a statement issued on Monday, expressed deep concern over reports that Ndibe was stopped by DSS operatives upon arrival in Nigeria and held for several hours while officers allegedly awaited clearance from superior authorities before allowing him entry into the country.
The rights organisation said the development, if confirmed, represents yet another disturbing incident in a recurring pattern of airport-related restrictions involving the scholar, noting that similar episodes in the past reportedly ended only after interventions and apologies from security authorities.
The statement, signed by RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, warned that the continued harassment of Ndibe raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns, particularly in relation to the rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement, and protection from arbitrary detention.
According to RULAAC, the incident underscores systemic weaknesses within Nigeria’s security watchlist and border control mechanisms, which it said appear to suffer from outdated data, poor coordination, and a lack of accountability among relevant agencies.
The organisation cautioned that repeated targeting of a prominent public intellectual who is widely known for his contributions to democratic discourse sends a dangerous signal to journalists, academics, and other citizens engaged in legitimate criticism of government policies.
It stressed that while national security remains a legitimate state priority, such responsibility must always be exercised within the bounds of the Constitution and in strict adherence to due process.
“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 constitutionally protected rights,” the statement said.
RULAAC further argued that arbitrary detention without clear legal justification not only violates fundamental rights but also undermines public trust in security institutions and damages Nigeria’s democratic image internationally.
The group therefore demanded immediate corrective action from the DSS, including the release of Ndibe if he is still being held, and a transparent explanation of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It also called for a comprehensive review of the agency’s watchlist protocols, improved inter-agency coordination at ports of entry, and the establishment of independent accountability mechanisms to address complaints of wrongful detention and abuse of power.
Specifically, RULAAC urged the DSS to: “Immediately release Ndibe if still in custody and disclose the legal basis for his detention, provide a clear explanation for the latest incident at the airport, conduct a full audit of its watchlist and clearance systems, ensure compliance with constitutional safeguards at all entry points, and establish transparent redress mechanisms for affected citizens.”
The organisation also called on oversight bodies, including relevant committees of the National Assembly responsible for intelligence and security services, to investigate the incident and ensure that appropriate reforms are implemented to prevent recurrence.
RULAAC maintained that democratic governance is strengthened when security agencies operate transparently and within the confines of the law, warning that repeated allegations of arbitrary detention risk eroding public confidence in state institutions.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the DSS regarding the incident.