By Joke Kujenya
THE NIGERIA Immigration Service (NIS) has launched an investigation into an incident at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, where a Nigerian passport was reportedly destroyed by a female traveler.
A video of the incident, which surfaced on social media, shows Mrs. Favour Igiebor tearing her husband’s passport shortly after their arrival on Saturday, August 10, 2024.
When questioned in the video, Mrs. Igiebor defiantly asked, “Is it your passport?”
She later walked away with their other children, leaving her husband with their baby in a stroller.
NIS expressed serious concerns, noting that such actions could violate Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015, which prohibits the destruction of Nigerian travel documents.
The service emphasized its commitment to enforcing the Act and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s legal documents.
NIS has identified and invited the woman for further investigation.
If confirmed, she could face legal consequences under the Immigration Act.
Woman Defends Destroying Husband’s Passport at Lagos Airport
Favour Igiebor, who destroyed her husband’s Nigerian passport at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, defended her actions, citing marital challenges.
“I have my reasons. I’ve gone through many things. When it gets to your neck, you have to act,” she said.
“I didn’t want to cause him stress, so I waited till we got to Nigeria rather than doing it in Europe.”
NIS announced plans to prosecute Igiebor under Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act.
In a statement, NIS spokesman Kenneth Udo confirmed that the incident violates the law, and the service is committed to ensuring legal consequences for breaches.
Igiebor urged the public to understand the context of her actions before passing judgment.
