DSS Delists Lanre Arogundade After 40 Years On Watchlist

By Tonia Okereke

The Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute, IPI, on Tuesday announced that the name of the Executive Director of the International Press Centre, IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, has been officially delisted from the watchlist of the Department of State Services (DSS).

IPI Nigeria President, Mr. Musikilu Mojeed, made the announcement at the 3rd Nigerian Media Leaders’ Summit organised by The Journalism Clinic, a media development initiative led by veteran journalist Mr. Taiwo Obe.

Mr. Mojeed, told the gathering that the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Adeola Ajayi, personally informed IPI Nigeria of the action taken in a recent engagement with the Institute.

He noted that the removal of Mr. Arogundade’s name followed sustained advocacy and intensified lobbying efforts by IPI Nigeria, especially after previous assurances had failed to yield results.

He said, “For nearly four decades, Mr. Arogundade endured undue scrutiny, harassment, and repeated detentions at various points, most notably at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

“This action by the DSS is long overdue, but we acknowledge it and commend the agency for finally doing the right thing.”

The announcement was met with widespread applause at the Abeokuta summit. Mr. Arogundade, who was present at the event, expressed profound gratitude to IPI Nigeria, describing the Institute’s commitment as both courageous and compassionate.

“I am deeply thankful to IPI Nigeria and to everyone who supported this long journey. This is not just a personal victory, but a testament to the power of principled advocacy,” Arogundade said.

Mr. Arogundade’s inclusion on the DSS watchlist dates back to the military era when he served as president of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, between 1984 and 1985.