The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Isah Idris, has ordered the investigation of a case of extortion perpetrated by officers of the agency at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
This follows a recent outcry by a Twitter user@darbyy, who alleged massive extortion of under-40 Nigerians travelling to the United Arab Emirates.
In a statement signed late Monday by the Comptroller-General, titled ‘Alleged misconduct at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos,’ he also ordered “the withdrawal” of the entire shift on duty at the time of the incident.
“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 reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for sharp practices, adding that such would be met with stiff sanctions to any staff found involved.
He also urged members of the public to use any of it’s channels to report cases of misdemeanour by any member of staff for appropriate sanctions.
Recall that in a tweet on October 14, 2022, a user with the handle name @darbyy alleged that she paid the sum of N10,000 to the immigration officers before her passport was stamped, after presenting her UAE visa at the immigration booth.
She also alleged that the extortion scheme is targeted at Nigerians perceived to be below the age of 40, as older travellers did not face such treatment.
“It was then I noticed all the people they had brought to this 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 had written.
