Immigration officers under probe, some withdrawn from duty
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Persistent, widespread, and brazen extortion of fellow Nigerians by immigration officers at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos are being investigated by Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Comptroller General Isah Idris.
Idris ordered the probe after a recent outcry on Twitter by a Dubai-bound passenger who alleged massive extortion of under-40 Nigerians travelling to the Gulf city.
He also ordered “the withdrawal” of the entire shift on duty at the time of the incident, according to a statement the NIS issued titled, “Alleged misconduct at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos”.
@darbyy tweeted on 14 October alleging that, despite presenting her UAE visa, she paid N10,000 to immigration officers before her passport was stamped.
She also alleged the extortioners target Nigerians perceived to be below 40 as she did not see older travellers who were subjected to such treatment.
“It was then I noticed all the people they had brought to this (separate) aisle were young and going to Dubai. It was all a plan to use fear to exploit us.
“The couple got their passport stamped after paying. Oga turned to me and said’it’s in your hands. How much do you have?’” she tweeted, per The PUNCH.
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NIS channels for lodging complaints
In its reaction, the NIS issued a statement which said:
“Following the recent allegation by a Dubai-bound Nigerian citizen of sharp practices by some personnel during passenger clearance which occurred about 3 weeks ago at the Lagos Airport, the Comptroller General of Immigration, Isah Idris, MFR, has ordered an investigation into the matter.
“Furthermore, he ordered the withdrawal of the entire shift on duty at time of the incident to allow unhindered investigations.
“The Comptroller General wishes to use this opportunity to reiterate his administration’s zero tolerance for sharp practices and that such would be met with stiff sanctions to any staff found involved.
“The CGI hereby encourages members of the public to feel free to contact the Service through its various public communication channels, including twitter and Facebook handles @nigimmigration to lay complaints and report any misdemeanour by any member of staff for appropriate sanctions.”