The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched an investigation into the destruction of a Nigerian passport by a woman identified as Favour Igiebor. The incident, which was captured in a viral video, shows Igiebor destroying a Nigerian Standard Passport—reportedly belonging to her husband—at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. The NIS has also summoned the woman for questioning to understand the circumstances surrounding her actions.
Initially, the motive behind Igiebor’s actions was unclear. However, in a statement released on Monday, NIS spokesman Kenneth Udo emphasized that the destruction of a Nigerian passport is a violation of the law. The NIS views the act as a serious offense and has expressed its commitment to investigating the matter thoroughly to determine the appropriate legal response.
The incident has sparked significant attention on social media, with many questioning the legality and implications of such actions. The NIS’s response underscores the importance of upholding the integrity of national documents and the legal consequences for those who unlawfully destroy or tamper with them. As the investigation continues, further details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the reasons behind the woman’s actions and the potential legal repercussions she may face.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched a formal investigation following the circulation of a video on social media, showing a female traveler destroying a Nigerian Standard Passport at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos,” the statement read.
“The individual has been identified and invited for further investigation. If the allegations are substantiated, her actions would have constituted a breach of Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015 (as amended), with corresponding penalties outlined under Section 10(h) of the same Act.”
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains steadfast 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.”
In the wake of the incident, the woman was spotted in a viral video saying she took the decision owing to family issues.
According to her, she had passed through many challenges in her marriage, prompting the action.
“You have to ask what happened, don’t just look at the action alone, I am not a mad woman, who would just come and act like that. I have my reasons, I have gone through many things,” she said.
“When it gets to your neck, you have to act. I didn’t want to make him go through a lot of stress, that’s why I waited till we got to Nigeria to do it rather than Europe where I could have done it. Don’t make comments without knowing what happened. I have gone through a lot of family issues here and there.”
She apologised to the NIS for the action.
