The Nigeria Immigration Service has launched an investigation into an incident involving the destruction of a Nigerian passport at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The incident, which was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has drawn considerable public and official attention.
The individual at the center of the incident has been identified as Mrs. Favour Igiebor, whose passport number is A11990869.
Kenneth Udo, the NIS Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the Comptroller General of Immigration has directed an inquiry into the matter. Mrs. Igiebor is expected to provide further details about the circumstances leading to the passport’s destruction, as reported by NTA.
The NIS emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that if the allegations are substantiated, Mrs. Igiebor’s actions could be in violation of Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015 (as amended). This section forbids the willful destruction of Nigerian travel documents, with penalties outlined under Section 10(h) of the same Act.
Udo reiterated the NIS’s commitment to upholding the Immigration Act and ensuring the integrity of Nigeria’s legal and diplomatic instruments. The public has been assured that the investigation will be comprehensive, and appropriate legal actions will follow based on the findings.
The incident occurred on Saturday, August 10, 2024, when Mrs. Igiebor allegedly tore her husband’s international passport shortly after their arrival in Nigeria. The video footage shows a visibly upset Mrs. Igiebor, who, when questioned about her actions, responded dismissively, “Is it your passport?”
The video also captures Mrs. Igiebor leading her children away from the airport walkway while airport officials attempted to defuse the situation and advised her husband to avoid reacting. The destruction of the passport, a document issued by the Nigerian government, has been widely condemned as an act of vandalism and a serious legal offense.
The public’s reaction has been swift and critical, with many calling for legal action against Mrs. Igiebor for what is perceived as a blatant disregard for Nigerian law and property. The incident has sparked broader discussions about the enforcement of legal norms and respect for national symbols and documents.
As the NIS investigation progresses, the outcome will be closely monitored for its potential legal and diplomatic implications.
