- The Nigeria Immigration Service announced a comprehensive investigation into allegations of unlawful detention and sexual assault by one of its personnel
- The Service described the claims as serious, emphasised accountability, and vowed disciplinary and legal action if misconduct is confirmed
- The investigation followed reports that a 21-year-old woman from Akwa Ibom State was allegedly detained and assaulted by an immigration officer
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a comprehensive investigation into allegations of serious misconduct involving one of its personnel, following an online report accusing an officer of unlawful detention and sexual assault of a Nigerian woman.
In a statement posted on its X handle on Thursday, NIS described the allegations as “serious” and emphasized that any misconduct by its personnel is unacceptable and violates the Service’s professional standards, ethics, and values.
“The attention of the Nigeria Immigration Service has been drawn towards an online publication alleging grave misconduct by one of its personnel, including claims of unlawful detention and sexual assault involving a Nigerian woman,” the Service said.
It added, “Any acts of misconduct by any of its personnel is entirely unacceptable and will be treated with the severity they deserve… The Service has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the allegations, and any personnel found to have engaged in the misconduct will be held accountable and appropriate disciplinary and legal actions will be applied.”
The agency stressed that it will neither shield nor condone any officer who violates public trust or the rights of individuals.
The statement follows a report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism alleging that a 21-year-old woman from Akwa Ibom State was arrested by an immigration officer identified as Isa Makama. According to the report, she was detained for several days without proper legal process and allegedly subjected to repeated assaults, being held in a private location rather than an official detention facility. Her release reportedly came after interventions by third parties.
While NIS did not confirm the specific details of the allegations, it reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability and taking legal and disciplinary action where necessary.