Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

4 minutes read. Updated 4:00PM GMT Mon, 12August, 2024

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has initiated a probe into a troubling incident that occurred at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos. The incident, which was captured on video and has since gone viral, involves a woman who was filmed tearing up a Nigerian passport, reportedly belonging to her husband.

Local media outlets identified the woman as Mrs. Favour Igiebor. In the video, Mrs. Igiebor is seen admitting to the destruction of the passport. Despite her confession, airport authorities did not intervene at the time, allowing her to leave the airport accompanied by her two children. This lack of immediate action has raised concerns among the public and prompted the NIS to take a closer look at the incident.

Kenneth Udo, the spokesperson for the NIS, confirmed the occurrence in a statement released on Sunday, August 11. He disclosed that the Comptroller General of Immigration, K.N. Nandap, has directed that Mrs. Igiebor be summoned for further questioning. Udo emphasized that if the allegations against Mrs. Igiebor are proven true, her actions could constitute a breach of the Immigration Act 2015. Such a breach could entail significant legal repercussions.

Under the Immigration Act 2015, specifically Section 10(b), the deliberate destruction of a passport is considered a serious offense. This section outlines that any act against the provisions of this law may result in severe penalties. Section 10(h) details these penalties, which may include fines, imprisonment, or both. The extent of the legal consequences would be determined by a court of law if Mrs. Igiebor is found guilty.

The NIS has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring national security, asserting that incidents like these are taken very seriously. The outcome of the ongoing investigation will be pivotal in determining the appropriate legal action in accordance with Nigerian law.