Press Freedom: DSS Finally Delists Lanre Arogundade from Watchlist After 40 Years
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The Nigerian Chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) has announced that the Department of State Security (DSS) has officially removed Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), from its watchlist — ending a four-decade-long ordeal.
The announcement was made by IPI Nigeria President, Mr. Musikilu Mojeed, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the 3rd Nigerian Media Leaders’ Summit convened by the Journalism Clinic, led by veteran journalist Taiwo Obe. The announcement was formally signed by Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser and Chairman of IPI Nigeria’s Advocacy Committee.
The summit was attended by media owners and top editors.
According to Mr. Mojeed, the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, informed IPI Nigeria of the decision during a recent engagement with the security agency. Mojeed highlighted that the removal came after a sustained and intensive campaign by IPI Nigeria, which became necessary when previous assurances had failed to result in action.
For nearly forty years, Mr. Arogundade faced persistent harassment and embarrassment, including brief detentions by security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
IPI Nigeria has welcomed the DSS decision and publicly commended the agency for finally taking action to clear Mr. Arogundade’s name.
During the summit, media executives in attendance applauded the announcement, while Mr. Arogundade, who was also present, expressed his gratitude — both personally and on behalf of his family — to IPI Nigeria for its commendable efforts.
Mr. Arogundade’s journey to the DSS watchlist dates back to his role as President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) between 1984 and 1985, during Nigeria’s military regime.
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