Nigerian Immigration Officer Suspended for Allegedly Soliciting Bribe from Traveller

Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended Okpravero Ufuoma, an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI II), for allegedly soliciting financial gratification from a traveller. The suspension follows the emergence of a video circulating on social media that reportedly shows the officer engaging in the act.

The Comptroller General of NIS, Mrs. Kemi Nandap, made this announcement through a statement released by the Service's Public Relations Officer, Mr. Kenneth Udo, on Thursday in Abuja. In her remarks, Nandap expressed deep dismay over the incident, stating that the officer's actions are in stark contrast to the professional values and ethics that the NIS upholds.

"The alleged misconduct by the officer, as seen in the video, is a serious violation of the standards we strive to maintain within the NIS," Nandap stated. "Such behavior undermines the ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing service delivery and tarnishes the reputation of the Service."

The video, titled "This is how Immigration officers treat tourists in Nigeria," has sparked widespread outrage and brought significant embarrassment to the NIS. It purportedly shows Ufuoma soliciting a bribe from a traveller, an act that Nandap condemned as reprehensible and inconsistent with the Service's commitment to hospitality, reception, and courtesy.

In response to the incident, Nandap confirmed that Ufuoma has been suspended indefinitely, pending the outcome of formal disciplinary procedures. She reassured the public that the NIS remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and service delivery, in line with the Federal Government’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’

"The suspension of the officer is a clear indication of our zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and any form of misconduct within the Service," Nandap emphasized. "We are determined to root out such malpractices and ensure that our officers adhere to the ethical standards expected of them."

As part of ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and prevent similar incidents, Nandap highlighted the recent installation of electronic gates (e-gates) at all international airports. These e-gates are designed to facilitate smoother passenger travel and enhance transparency in immigration procedures.

Nandap also encouraged members of the public to report any instances of misconduct or corruption by NIS officers, assuring that such reports would be thoroughly investigated and addressed.

The NIS’s decisive action in suspending the officer reflects its commitment to maintaining the integrity of Nigeria's immigration system and ensuring that all officers conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the Service's values and mission.