Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered the probe of some officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) over alleged misconduct.
Gatekeepers News reports that this followed the complaint by a professor of African art from the University of Texas, Austin, United States, Moyo Okediji on December 12.
Okediji took to his Facebook page to recount how he was “extorted and robbed” of over $500 at the Seme border when he arrived in Nigeria through Ghana.
The Professor said some NIS personnel stopped him for a search and asked him to “settle” them with $40 for travelling with an expired Nigerian passport.
Okediji noted that he handed them the money but later found out that $500 was missing from his luggage.
The professor added that he was also harassed and his documents seized by some police officers when he arrived at Mile 2, FESTAC axis of Amuwo-Odofin LGA, Lagos on the same day.
The NIS spokesperson, Aridegbe Adedotun, in a statement on Saturday, said the agency said it will implement some changes at the borders to ensure smooth operations.
The NIS comptroller-general, Caroline Adepoju, said the Minister of Interior was “displeased with the alleged unprofessional activities at the Seme border” and has ordered that immediate action be taken to fish out the culprits.
Adepoju said if the allegations are proven to be true, the affected officials will face “severe consequences”.
She added that she would personally oversee the implementation of the changes at the borders to address any shortcomings.
The statement read, “The CGI expresses her dismay at the alleged behaviour and wants to assure the public that immediate steps are being taken to investigate the matter thoroughly. The NIS is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service to the nation.
“In response to these allegations, the NIS is implementing changes at our borders to ensure the smooth passage of migrants without compromising national security. The Comptroller General is personally overseeing these changes to address any shortcomings and to reinforce a culture of accountability within the Service.”
