After nearly four decades of surveillance, the Department of State Services has finally removed Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre from its watchlist.
According to The PUNCH, the announcement was made on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, during the 3rd Nigerian Media Leaders’ Summit in Abeokuta, Ogun State. President of the International Press Institute Nigeria, Mr. Muskilu Mojeed, disclosed the development, noting that the DSS Director-General, Mr. Adeola Ajayi, personally conveyed the decision to IPI during a recent meeting.
“The DSS decision followed sustained and intensive campaign by IPI Nigeria to get Mr. Arogundade’s name removed from the watchlist,” Mojeed said. “This campaign became necessary after previous assurances failed to yield action.”
Mr. Arogundade’s name had remained on the security agency’s list since his tenure as President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) between 1984 and 1985. Over the years, he reportedly faced constant harassment, including repeated detentions by security operatives at airports.
A legal adviser to IPI Nigeria, Mr. Tobi Soniyi, issued a statement confirming the development and lauding the DSS for responding to pressure from the media advocacy group.
“For about 40 years, Mr. Arogundade was subjected to persistent embarrassment. His removal from the watchlist is a welcome relief and a positive step forward,” Soniyi stated.
Speaking at the summit, Mr. Arogundade expressed deep gratitude to IPI Nigeria and other media stakeholders for their relentless efforts.
“This means so much to me and my family. I commend IPI Nigeria for standing firm on press freedom and the rights of journalists,” Arogundade said.
Participants at the media summit—comprising editors, media executives, and press advocates—welcomed the news with applause, describing it as a small victory for media freedom in Nigeria.
The IPC said it hopes the move signals a broader commitment by security agencies to uphold the rights of journalists and democratic principles.