….  What Does the Law Say About Desecration of Nigerian Passport?

On August 10, 2024, a disturbing video surfaced on social media showing a woman, identified as Mrs. Favor Igiebor, destroying her husband’s Nigerian passport at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The incident sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about the legal implications of such an act.

Ongoing Investigation

The Nigeria Immigration Service (@nigimmigration) launched a formal investigation into the incident, citing a potential violation of Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015 (as amended).

This section prohibits the wilful destruction of Nigerian travel documents.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service has launched a formal investigation following the circulation of a video on social media, showing a female traveler destroying a Nigerian Standard Passport at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos,” Kenneth Udo, NIS Public Relations Officer, stated in a statement made available to the media.

Legal Consequences

According to the law, the deliberate destruction of a passport is a serious offense, punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both. The specific penalties are outlined under Section 10(h) of the Act, which details the consequences of such offenses.

Apart from tearing the passport, the Naira, Nigeria’s currency, is another national symbol whose mutilation or destruction is penalized by the law.

Section 21 of the CBN Act specifically prohibits the abuse of Naira notes.

Just a few months ago, popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, aka #Bobrisky, was sentenced to jail for mutilating the Naira at the premiere of Ajakaju, a movie produced by Eniola Ajao in Lagos.

While the imprisonment of Bobrisky sparked debate, findings revealed that the spate of Naira abuse, particularly in parties, has spectacularly reduced.

Expert Opinions

Ade Bashir, a Public Affairs analyst, noted, “When you look at the message of Bobrisky’s sentence and the clear understanding among Nigerians, you will know that a little deterrence here and there will solve much of the country’s problems.”

Uche John, another Public Affairs affairs analyst echoed similar sentiment as he noted: “The law is crystal clear on the consequences of wilful destruction of Nigerian passport, but more worrying and disturbing is the audacity of the woman to do so in public where such incident can be recorded. You will have to think about the lack of respect for the country’s symbol. An example must be made of her action.”

International Perspective

Not just in Nigeria, other countries including the United States frown at the destruction, concealment, removal, confiscation, or possession of immigration documents.

Such act is punishable under the law.

This highlights the seriousness with which countries take the desecration of national symbols.

Domestic Violence Angle

Meanwhile, the incident at the airport has also sparked a conversation around domestic violence.

While the NIS has vowed to probe the woman, some analysts believe that there may be more to the story than meets the eye.

Call for Action

Aishat Aminu, an analyst, emphasized, “On Mrs. Favor Igiebor’s matter, I feel Nigerians must follow up the issue till the end. Whatever led her to disrespecting her husband is their family business, but desecrating the country’s passport is a no-go area. The law must be made to run its full course.”

The incident involving Mrs. Favor Igiebor serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting national symbols and the consequences of desecrating them.

As the investigation unfolds, it is essential to consider the broader implications of such actions and the need for deterrence to prevent future incidents.