The Solidarity Network for Workers’ Rights (SNWR) has strongly condemned the reported harassment and detention of renowned Nigerian writer, journalist, and public intellectual, Okey Ndibe, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Daniel Akande, the workers’ rights organization described the incident as a disturbing attack on democratic freedoms and civil liberties, warning that the continued intimidation of critical voices poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
According to the group, if reports of the detention are accurate, the action reflects a growing pattern of disregard for constitutional rights by security agencies.
SNWR argued that arbitrary harassment, intimidation, and detention of citizens, particularly journalists, writers, academics, activists, and other public commentators, have no place in a democratic society.
The organization stressed that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the rights to personal liberty, freedom of expression, and freedom of movement, adding that security agencies must operate strictly within the framework of the law.
SNWR further warned that attempts to silence dissenting opinions through intimidation undermine democratic institutions and erode public confidence in the rule of law. The group expressed concern over what it described as a shrinking democratic space in the country and called on citizens to resist any efforts to suppress free speech.
The workers’ rights body demanded that the DSS provide a transparent explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding Ndibe’s reported detention and ensure that his fundamental rights are respected.
It also called on civil society organizations, trade unions, human rights groups, and democratic activists to unite in defence of constitutional freedoms.Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of democratic rights, SNWR stated that the struggle for workers’ rights is inseparable from the broader fight for human rights, social justice, and democratic accountability.
The statement comes amid growing public concern over allegations of harassment and intimidation of journalists, activists, and government critics by security agencies in Nigeria.
