diff --git a/sndiod/dev.c b/sndiod/dev.c
index 494f074..ef85a83 100644
--- a/sndiod/dev.c
+++ b/sndiod/dev.c
@@ -1824,7 +1824,7 @@ slot_detach(struct slot *s)
 #endif
 	for (ps = &s->dev->slot_list; *ps != s; ps = &(*ps)->next) {
 #ifdef DEBUG
-		if (s == NULL) {
+		if (*ps == NULL) {
 			slot_log(s);
 			log_puts(": can't detach, not on list\n");
 			panic();