On August 11, 2024, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, a heated argument between a married couple escalated dramatically when the wife tore her husband’s international passport in the arrival area. The argument, which drew the attention of nearby passengers and airport staff, resulted in the destruction of the official document.
According to eyewitnesses, the couple engaged in a heated argument in the arrival area, which escalated to the point where the woman, in a fit of rage, grabbed her husband’s passport and tore it apart. The altercation caused a commotion among other travelers and airport staff, who were shocked by the woman’s actions.
The woman’s outburst led to the destruction of a vital travel document, raising serious legal concerns. Passports are not just personal items; they are official government documents that hold significant legal weight. The tearing of such a document is not only a personal affront but also a criminal offense under Nigerian law.
The individual involved has been identified as Mrs. Favour Igiebor, holding passport number A11990869. In response to this incident, the Comptroller General of Immigration, KN Nandap, PCC, MMIS, FSM, has directed that Mrs. Favour Igiebor be invited for further investigation.
Under Nigerian law, the act of tearing an international passport is considered a serious offense. Passports are classified as federal property, and their willful destruction is deemed a criminal act. Therefore, the NIS is taking this matter very seriously, given the implications it holds for both domestic and international travel regulations. The investigation is focusing on uncovering the motives behind the woman’s drastic actions and assessing the legal ramifications.
The NIS, led by Comptroller General KN Nandap, has directed that the individual involved, identified as Mrs. Favour Igiebor, be invited for questioning. If the allegations are substantiated, her actions could breach Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015 (as amended), which stipulates penalties for the destruction of government property. The ongoing inquiry will determine the appropriate legal consequences based on the findings.
Furthermore, the NIS has reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of the nation’s travel documents and addressing such incidents with the utmost urgency. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper conduct at international borders and the severe legal implications of actions that compromise the security and validity of travel documents. As the investigation progresses, further details will emerge, clarifying the circumstances and potential outcomes of this high-profile case.
Stay tuned as we unravel the cause and effect of the incident……..
