Nigerian Immigration Service Embroiled in Passport Extortion Scandal.

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is facing allegations of extortion regarding passport renewals. Applicants claim officials demand an unofficial N30,000 fee, despite the stipulated N130,000 for renewal and data change.

Victims’ testimonies reveal a pattern of corruption. One applicant paid N130,000, only to be asked for an additional N30,000. “I was told the person heading the Alausa office collects this amount,” he said. Another applicant waited weeks without updates, until contacting a well-connected NIS officer, who expedited the process for an extra, unofficial fee.

The NIS website lists N100,000 for a 64-page passport booklet and N30,000 for data correction, totaling N130,000. However, officials allegedly demand more. Kenneth Udo, NIS public relations officer, denied these allegations, stating, “The correct fee is N130,000; no extra N30,000 is required”.

This scandal underscores entrenched corruption within the NIS, despite efforts to reform. In January 2023, four personnel were dismissed and 14 demoted for various offenses. Investigations reveal widespread extortion at passport offices.

Previous Extortion Allegations:

• In November 2023, passport applicants in Abuja accused NIS officials of massive extortion.
• Applicants reported paying extra fees, ranging from N5,000 to N40,000.

Government Response:

The Federal Government promises to address corruption, but concrete actions are lacking. The NIS must investigate these allegations and take decisive action.

Enugu Businessman Obtains Court Order to Halt Arrest Over Alleged Assault on Truck Driver.

Enugu State High Court has granted an ex-parte order restraining the Inspector General of Police, Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Force Criminal Investigation Department Enugu Annex, and other respondents from arresting Donald Ekete, Managing Director of Eketeson Resources Nig Ltd. This development comes after Ekete allegedly instructed policemen attached to his company to beat Okechukwu Ofor, a truck driver from rival company Toshel Nig Ltd, into a coma.

The incident occurred on June 3, 2024, when Ofor was dumped at Independence Layout Police Station by the policemen, who then disappeared. Fortunately, some policemen intervened, taking Ofor to a police clinic and later transferring him to another hospital for proper treatment.

Ofor has since filed a lawsuit seeking over N600 million in compensation for aggravated, exemplary and general damages. Additionally, Ekete’s rival company Managing Director, Tochukwu Nzekwe, was arrested, arraigned and remanded in prison custody on September 26, 2024, on trumped-up charges.

The court order, dated October 10, 2024, with Suit No: E/863/2024, directs respondents to maintain the status quo pending determination of the substantive application, adjourning the matter to October 24, 2024, for hearing of the Motion on Notice.

Ajaokuta Steel Company’s Sole Administrator, Sumaila Abdul-Akaba, Forced Out Amid EFCC Probe.

Sumaila Abdul-Akaba’s seven-year tenure as the Sole Administrator of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited has come to an abrupt end, amidst allegations of corruption and mismanagement. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is now investigating Abdul-Akaba, following a petition filed by the Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council (NENYLC).

The petition alleges widespread corruption, including job racketeering, kickbacks, inflated contracts, and diversion of funds meant for the company. An internal memo from the company claims Abdul-Akaba’s departure was due to the completion of his tenure, not resignation. However, sources suggest the EFCC probe was the actual reason for his exit.

 Allegations Against Abdul-Akaba

– Job racketeering
– Kickbacks
– Inflated contracts
– Diversion of company funds

 Next Steps

The Ministry of Steel Development has appointed Kanwai Atungs Joseph, the most senior Engineer and General Manager of Engineering Works, to oversee the company’s affairs until a new Sole Administrator is appointed.

The EFCC has acknowledged receipt of the petition, numbered EFCC/PET/HOR/2914/2024, and is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations against Abdul-Akaba.

This development raises concerns about corruption and mismanagement in Nigeria’s public sector, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability.