NIS Orders Arrest, Probe Over Alleged Sexual Assault by Immigration Officer

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has ordered the arrest and a comprehensive probe of an officer linked to the alleged sexual assault and unlawful detention of a 21-year-old woman, following widespread public concern over the incident.

In a statement released on its official X handle on Thursday, the NIS said it had taken note of a report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), which accused one of its personnel of grave misconduct at the Akere checkpoint in Badagry, Lagos State. The allegations include unlawful detention and repeated sexual assault.

According to FIJ, the victim, identified as Ben Bright Friday from Akwa Ibom State, was travelling from Port Harcourt to the Benin Republic on Friday, January 16, 2025, when she was intercepted by immigration officers. What was meant to be a routine journey allegedly turned into four days of detention and abuse. The report claimed she was held from Friday through Sunday and only released on Monday.

FIJ further alleged that during the period of detention, an officer identified as Makama — reportedly addressed as “oga” by his colleagues — intimidated, brutalised, detained and repeatedly raped the young woman.

Reacting to the allegations, the Nigeria Immigration Service strongly condemned the reported actions, describing them as “extremely serious.” The Service stressed that sexual assault, unlawful detention and any form of abuse by its officers are completely unacceptable.

“The attention of the Nigeria Immigration Service has been drawn towards an online publication alleging grave misconduct by one of its personnel,” the statement read. “Any act that undermines public trust or violates human dignity will not be condoned.”

The NIS assured the public that any officer found culpable after the probe would face appropriate disciplinary and legal consequences.