The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has summoned the woman who tore the Nigerian Passport of her husband at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos as a result of the misunderstanding between them.
In a video, a woman was seen tearing the passport while officials urged the husband to show courage and maturity to pick up the pieces from the floor.
NIS’ Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo, said: “The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched a formal investigation following the circulation of a video on social media, showing a female traveller destroying a Nigerian Standard Passport at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
“The individual has been identified and invited for further investigation. If the allegations are substantiated, her actions would have constituted a breach of Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015 (as amended), with corresponding penalties outlined under Section 10(h) of the same Act,” the NIS said.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the provisions of the Immigration Act in the interest of national security, and to preserving the dignity and integrity of the nation’s legal instruments.’’
Meanwhile, the ‘culprit’ has defended her action. In a video on the couple’s family Facebook page (jejojafamilytv). Ella Jeffery, explains her actions, asserting that they were the culmination of long-standing marital and familial tensions.
“I am not a mad woman. I have been going through a lot, and He’s a mummy’s boy, sister’s boy. I did what I did. Nobody can arrest me. I suffered with him,” Ella explained.
“You have to ask what happened, don’t just look at the actions alone,” she urged viewers, adding that she felt compelled to act after arriving in Nigeria from Europe, where she had been silently enduring her struggles.
“I have my reasons,” she said, stressing that her breaking point was reached after dealing with persistent family issues and her husband’s inability to stand up for her.
Is it when I die that you all will say that this woman didn’t speak up?” she asked.
Joe Jeffery has yet to respond to the incident or his wife’s statements.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has condemned Mrs. Jeffrey.
Its Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, in a statement, said: “Mallam Onilu said in furtherance of NOA national identity project campaign, especially as it relates to the national symbols, the agency will support moves by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to investigate and prosecute such breach in line with section 10 (B) of the Immigration Act, 2015 as a deterrence to those who may willfully damage an important national symbol as the International Passport.’’
“The International passport issued by the Nigerian Immigration Service is the property of the Federal government and no person who has the privilege of owning one should abuse or even damage them under whatever guise. What the lady has done is a grievous assault on our collective assets and a dent on the symbol of our identity as a nation.”
He said:”Mallam Issa Onilu also appealed to citizens to continue to show respect for the National Symbols as part of our patriotic commitment to national development saying the NOA as the custodian of these symbols will continue to promote their use and integrity. “He however stressed that the incident calls for increased public enlightenment and awareness campaigns by all Nigerians on the National Symbols and the importance of it in the country.
The passport is one the core national symbols that are enshrined in the nation’s ordinance as a patriotic icon representing countries for which it derives its identity, especially among nations. “
