By Ayo Kehinde
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has ordered a comprehensive investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving one of its personnel following an online report accusing an officer of unlawful detention and sexual assault of a 21-year-old woman from Akwa Ibom State.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Thursday, the NIS said its attention had been drawn to a publication by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), which alleged grave misconduct by an immigration officer at the Akere checkpoint in Badagry, Lagos State.
According to the report, what was meant to be a routine journey from Port Harcourt to the Benin Republic on Friday, January 16, 2025, turned into four days of unlawful detention and sexual violence for the young woman.
The victim, identified as Ben Bright Friday, said she was intercepted by immigration officers on Friday, detained through Saturday and Sunday, and only released on Monday.
She alleged that during the period of detention, one officer identified as Makama (addressed by colleagues as ‘oga’), intimidated, brutalised, and repeatedly raped her.
Reacting to the allegations, the Immigration Service condemned the alleged acts, describing them as “extremely serious.”
The Service stressed that any form of misconduct by its personnel is unacceptable and would be treated with the full weight of disciplinary and legal measures.
“The attention of the Nigeria Immigration Service has been drawn to an online publication alleging grave misconduct by one of its personnel, including claims of unlawful detention and sexual assault involving a Nigerian woman.
“NIS considers these allegations extremely serious and emphasises that any acts of misconduct by any of its personnel are entirely unacceptable and will be treated with the severity they deserve, as they undermine the Service’s values, ethics and professional standards,” the statement read.
The service disclosed that it has ordered a thorough investigation into the allegations and assured the public that any personnel found culpable would be held accountable, with appropriate disciplinary and legal actions applied.
It further reiterated its commitment to upholding human rights and professional ethics, stating that it would neither shield nor condone any act that undermines public trust or violates the rights and dignity of individuals.
