DSS Delists IPC Director Lanre Arogundade After 40 Years

In a significant development for press freedom and human rights, the Department of State Services (DSS) has officially removed the name of Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), from its watchlist after nearly forty years.

The announcement was made by Mr. Musikilu Mojeed, President of the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI), during the 3rd Nigerian Media Leaders’ Summit held in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The summit, convened by veteran journalist Taiwo Obe under the platform of the Journalism Clinic, brought together top editors and media proprietors from across the country.

According to Mr. Mojeed, the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, confirmed the decision in a recent engagement with IPI Nigeria. The removal followed a sustained advocacy effort by IPI Nigeria, which intensified its campaign after previous assurances failed to yield results.

Mr. Arogundade had long faced harassment, including detentions at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos incidents that stemmed from his past role as President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) during the military era of 1984–1985.

Welcoming the development, IPI Nigeria praised the DSS for responding to the call for justice. The announcement was met with applause by media executives at the summit, while Mr. Arogundade, visibly moved, expressed heartfelt gratitude to IPI Nigeria and all advocates who stood by him.

“This is not just a personal relief but a victory for freedom of expression and the right of journalists to live and work without fear,” Mr. Arogundade remarked.