●As NIS says destroying a Nigerian passport is a criminal offense
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched a formal investigation after a video went viral showing a woman tearing up her husband’s Nigerian passport at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.
The woman, identified as Favour Igiebor, was seen in the video shouting at her husband while pieces of the passport lay on the floor. The incident occurred after the couple returned from Europe with their children.
“I tore it,” Igiebor was heard admitting in the video, which was captured in front of dozens of other travelers at the airport.
In a statement, the NIS said Igiebor has been summoned for questioning. The authorities noted that destroying a Nigerian passport is a criminal offense that could result in up to one year in prison.
After the video went viral and sparked numerous comments on social media, Igiebor released her own video addressing the incident. While she did not provide details, she said she has been “suffering” and going through “a lot of family issues.”
“You have to ask what happened – don’t just look at the action alone,” Igiebor said, adding that she had considered tearing up the passport in Europe but decided that would have caused her husband too many problems.
One traveler who witnessed the incident at the airport was heard saying the couple had been having issues throughout the flight. Some people were also seen consoling the husband and telling him to remain calm.
The NIS stated that it has launched a formal investigation into the matter. If charged, Igiebor would be the first person to be taken to court for destroying a Nigerian passport. However, the country has been cracking down on the misuse of national symbols, including the common practice of throwing around the national currency, the naira, at social events.
The viral video of Favor Igiebor tearing her husband’s Nigerian passport at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport has sparked widespread speculation and debate. The incident has raised questions about the legal implications of such an act and the potential consequences for the couple.
