The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has summoned Favour Igiebor for questioning after she was filmed tearing up her husband’s Nigerian passport at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos. The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows Igiebor shouting at her husband as pieces of the passport lie on the floor.
The incident occurred after Igiebor, her husband, and their children arrived from Europe. In the video, Igiebor is heard admitting, “I tore it.”
The NIS has launched a formal investigation, stating that the destruction of a Nigerian passport is a criminal offense that could result in up to one year in prison. The authorities are now examining the case and considering charges against Igiebor.
In response to the video, Igiebor released a statement expressing her personal distress. She explained that she was suffering and that viewers might not understand her situation. She mentioned that she had considered tearing up the passport in Europe but decided against it to avoid causing her husband more trouble.
Witnesses at the airport reported that the couple had been experiencing issues throughout their flight. Some travelers attempted to console the husband and advised him to remain calm.
If charged, Igiebor would be the first person prosecuted for destroying a Nigerian passport. Recently, Nigeria has taken a tougher stance on protecting national symbols, including cracking down on the misuse of the naira currency at social events.
