The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has officially launched an investigation in response to a video circulating on social media, which shows a female traveler destroying a Nigerian Standard Passport at Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMM), Lagos.
In a statement signed by Service Public Relations Officer Service Headquarters, Abuja DCI KT Udo, said the individual at the center of the incident has been identified as Mrs. Favour Igiebor, who holds passport number A411990869. The video, which has sparked widespread attention and concern, depicts Mrs. Igiebor tearing the passport, an act that has raised questions about the motives behind such a drastic action.
In swift response to the situation, the Comptroller General of Immigration, KN Nandap, PCC, mmis, fsm, has directed that Mrs. Favour Igiebor be invited for a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The NIS is determined to uncover the facts and understand the reasons behind this act, which has significant implications for the integrity of Nigeria’s travel documents.
According to the NIS, if the allegations against Mrs. Igiebor are substantiated, her actions would be in clear violation of Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015 (as amended). This section of the Act outlines the legal framework governing the handling and protection of Nigerian passports, and any breach of its provisions is treated with the utmost seriousness. The corresponding penalties for such a violation are detailed under Section 10(h) of the same Act, and may include severe consequences.
The Nigeria Immigration Service emphasizes its unwavering commitment to upholding the provisions of the Immigration Act, particularly in matters that pertain to national security and the protection of the nation’s legal instruments. The NIS also seeks to maintain the dignity and integrity of Nigerian passports, which serve as a symbol of national identity and sovereignty.
The Service assures the public that it will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, and appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings.
