Amnesty International Condemns Arrest of Writer Okey Ndibe at Lagos Airport

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the arrest of renowned Nigerian writer Okey Ndibe at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, upon his arrival from the United States, describing the incident as part of a continuing pattern of intimidation against critical voices in Nigeria.

Although authorities later characterised the incident as a “routine security engagement,” Amnesty International rejected the explanation, arguing that it reflects a broader effort by Nigerian authorities to harass and silence individuals who express dissenting opinions.

In a statement on Tuesday, the human rights organisation noted that Nigerian authorities have repeatedly targeted Ndibe over the years because of his criticism of successive administrations.

The group cited previous arrests of the writer in 2011, 2013, and 2017, linked to his outspoken views on the governments of former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and the late Muhammadu Buhari.

Amnesty International further criticised the continued use of so-called “watchlists,” which it said have often been deployed as a tool to justify the harassment of journalists, writers, activists, and opposition figures.

“The Nigerian authorities appear more focused on suppressing critical voices than on protecting the rights of citizens,” the organisation said.

The rights group urged the government to abandon efforts aimed at silencing dissent and instead uphold fundamental freedoms guaranteed under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as its obligations under international human rights law.

Amnesty International called on the authorities to respect and protect the rights to freedom of expression and association, stressing that democratic societies thrive when citizens can freely express opinions without fear of intimidation or retaliation.