Passport Destruction at Lagos Airport Sparks Investigation and Concern

A shocking video circulating on social media has sparked concern and investigation into an incident involving the destruction of a Nigerian passport at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched a formal probe into the matter, which has left many questioning the actions of a female traveler, identified as Mrs. Igiebor.

According to a statement released by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo, the investigation follows the circulation of a video showing Mrs. Igiebor tearing her husband’s Nigerian Standard Passport shortly after their arrival at the airport on August 10, 2024.

The footage shows an agitated Mrs. Igiebor, who, when questioned about her actions, retorted, "Is it your passport?" The NIS has noted that her actions could be a violation of Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015 (as amended), which prohibits the willful destruction of Nigerian travel documents.

The Immigration Act outlines specific penalties for such offenses, and the NIS has emphasized its commitment to enforcing the act strictly to safeguard national security and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s legal and diplomatic instruments.

The NIS remains unwavering in its commitment to upholding the provisions of the Immigration Act in the interest of national security and to preserving the dignity and integrity of the nation’s legal instruments.

This incident has raised concerns among the public and highlights the importance of respecting and handling travel documents with care. The NIS is expected to continue its investigation and take appropriate action to ensure that the provisions of the Immigration Act are upheld.