DSS Removes Lanre Arogundade from Watchlist After IPI Nigeria’s Intervention

The Directorate of State Security has removed name of Veteran Journalist and Executive Director, International Press Centre, Mr Lanre Arogundade from its watchlist.

The latest development follows intervention of Nigerian Chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) to remove Arogundade from Security’s watchlist after 40 years.

IPI Nigeria President, Mr. Musikilu Mojeed announced this in Abeokuta, Ogun State at at the 3rd Nigerian Media Leaders’ Summit convened by Journalism Clinic led by veteran Journalist Taiwo Obe with media owners and top editors in attendance.

Mr Mojeed said the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, informed IPI Nigeria of the development during a recent engagement with the Service.

The DSS decision followed sustained and intensive campaign by IPI Nigeria to get Mr Arogundade’s name removed from the watchlist. The renewed campaign became necessary when Mr. Arogundade’s name was not removed despite previous assurance.

For about forty years, Mr Arogundade was subjected to persistent harassment and embarrassment, including brief detention by security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Media executives present at the Abeokuta summit applauded the announcement while Mr. Arogundade, who was also among them, expressed his gratitude  and that of his family to IPI Nigeria for the commendable effort.

Mr.  Arogundade’s journey to the watchlist started during the military regime when he served  as the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) between 1984 and 1985.