40 years after, DSS removes Arogundade’s name from Watchlist

40 years after, DSS removes Arogundade’s name from Watchlist

The Nigerian Chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) has disclosed that the Department of State Security (DSS) has removed  Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, from its watchlist after nearly 40 years.

IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, shared the news on Tuesday during the 3rd Nigerian Media Leaders’ Summit in Abeokuta, an event organized by Journalism Clinic and attended by media owners and senior editors.

According to Mojeed, DSS Director-General Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi conveyed the decision to IPI Nigeria during a recent engagement with the agency.

He said, “The DSS decision followed a sustained and intensive campaign by IPI Nigeria to get Arogundade’s name removed from the watchlist. The renewed campaign became necessary when, despite previous assurances, Arogundade’s name was not removed.

“For about 40 years, Arogundade was subjected to persistent harassment and embarrassment, including brief detention by security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.”

IPI Nigeria says it welcomes the decision and commends the DSS for finally removing Arogundade’s name from the watchlist.

The legal adviser/chairman of the advocacy committee, IPI, Tobi Soniyi, said that media executives at the Abeokuta summit applauded the announcement. At the same time, Arogundade, who was also among them, expressed his gratitude to IPI Nigeria and his family for the commendable effort.

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

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