The Department of State Security (DSS) has finally removed the name of Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, from its watchlist after 40 years.
This development was announced by the Nigerian Chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) at the 3rd Nigerian Media Leaders’ Summit in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
According to IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, the DSS Director-General, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, informed IPI Nigeria of the decision during a recent engagement.
Mojeed stated that the decision of the DSS followed sustained and intensive campaigns by IPI Nigeria to get Arogundade’s name removed from the watchlist.
This was contained in a statement signed by Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser/Chairman, Advocacy Committee, IPI Nigeria.
The statement revealed that despite previous assurances, Arogundade’s name was not removed, prompting renewed campaigns by IPI Nigeria.
Arogundade had faced persistent harassment and embarrassment, including brief detention by security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, due to his name being on the watchlist.
IPI Nigeria welcomed the decision and commended the DSS for finally removing Arogundade’s name from the watchlist.
“The DSS decision followed sustained and intensive campaign by IPI Nigeria to get Mr. Arogundade’s name removed from the watchlist,” Mojeed stated.
“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.”
Arogundade expressed his gratitude to IPI Nigeria for their commendable effort, thanking them for their support in securing his removal from the watchlist. Media executives present at the summit applauded the announcement, welcoming the decision to remove Arogundade’s name from the watchlist.
Arogundade’s name was added to the watchlist during the military regime when he served as the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) between 1984 and 1985.
