The Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Edo State Command, Mr. Martins Monyei, last Thursday, clarified that a viral video showing a woman tearing up her husband’s Nigerian international passport at Lagos airport was a staged skit. He confirmed that the passport is intact.
The said video still trending on social media revealed a woman in a fit of rage, with her husband’s torn passport on the floor while a man was picking the pieces in front of dozens of other travellers and officers of NIS at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, recently.
She was also heard in the video saying “I tore it”.
The controversy trailing the video attracted the attention of NIS, which immediately announced that an investigation had been initiated and the woman invited.
Few days after, the woman was identified as Mrs. Favour Igiebor who had returned from Europe alongside her husband, Mr. Igiebor and their children.
Commenting on the incident during a courtesy visit by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, led by its chairman, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, the Comptroller Monyei explained that the NIS initially faced challenges in verifying the situation, with reports suggesting the woman was from Benin City.
He said Surveillance was set up, but she was eventually found in Agbor, Delta State, as after thorough interrogation, she was flown to Abuja where she confirmed the passport was undamaged and provided written assurance.
“It was a talk of war for us because information came from our headquarters, they were trailing her. At a time they say she is from Benin City, Edo State. So l sent my men to lay surveillance. Before we knew it, she had crossed to Agbor in Delta State. Eventually, we cracked her at Agbor and we kept her on safe custody. It was just yesterday we flew her to Abuja.
“Honestly, it was like a comedy, she said she was creating contents, and said her husband’s passport is intact. She presented the husband passport; her own passport and that of her two children. She said she never torn any passport that she was just creating contents, she even put it into writing.
“All l want to explain is that as long as she didn’t temper with her husband’s passport, l don’t think the immigration would have anything against her.”
Mr. Monyei expressed gratitude for the NUJ’s visit and underscored the NIS’s role in issuing international passports, travel documents, and addressing security matters.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the NIS and the media to raise awareness about the dangers of irregular migration, which has led to numerous tragic incidents.
The Comptroller also encouraged journalists to engage with the NIS for balanced reporting, stating, “It is always good to hear from both sides so as to balance your report.”
Mr. Monyei enjoined the press to contact him directly with any concerns or questions.
Earlier, Comrade Festus Alenkhe of the NUJ emphasized the need to strengthen the relationship between the NIS and the Union.
Comrade Alenkhe urged the NIS to enhance its efforts against illegal immigration to help curb crime in the state. Both parties agreed on the importance of continued dialogue to address issues effectively.
