A dramatic incident at Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos has captured the nation’s attention, as a woman, Mrs Favour Igiebor, was filmed tearing up her husband’s Nigerian passport shortly after their arrival from abroad.
The video of the incident, which quickly went viral on social media, has sparked widespread debate and prompted an official investigation by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
The incident occurred at the bustling airport as travellers disembarked from an international flight.
In the video, Mrs Igiebor can be seen tearing her husband’s passport into pieces while onlookers, including airport officials, watched in shock.
Despite the gravity of the situation, her husband remained calm, quietly gathering the torn pieces of his passport from the floor.
The footage, which was first shared by social media user Chude Nnamdi on X (formerly Twitter), has since garnered significant attention online, with many questioning the legality of her actions and the potential consequences.
In response to the widespread circulation of the video, the NIS announced that it had launched a formal investigation into the matter.
According to a press release issued by the Service on Sunday, the Comptroller General of Immigration, KN Nandap, has directed that Mrs. Igiebor be invited for further questioning.
The NIS is treating the matter seriously, as the willful destruction of a Nigerian passport is a potential violation of Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015 (as amended).
This section of the law prohibits the deliberate destruction of Nigerian travel documents, and the penalties for such an offence are outlined under Section 10(h) of the same Act.
The press release, signed by the NIS Service Public Relations Officer, DCI KT Udo, emphasized the importance of upholding the provisions of the Immigration Act, particularly in safeguarding the nation’s legal instruments and maintaining national security.
The NIS reiterated its commitment to ensuring that any breaches of this nature are thoroughly investigated and addressed in accordance with the law.
As the investigation unfolds, Mrs Igiebor has come forward to share her side of the story, offering insight into the circumstances that led to the dramatic incident.
In a video statement, she explained that her actions were not impulsive, but rather the culmination of years of frustration and sacrifice within her marriage.
She urged the public not to judge her based solely on the video clip, insisting that there were deeper issues at play.
“The issue has been going on for a very long time,” Mrs. Igiebor said. “I have just been dancing to the tune until I arrived in my motherland, Nigeria, and I did what I did. You have to ask what happened.
“Don’t just look at the action alone—I am not a mad woman who would just come and act like that. I have my reasons; I have gone through many things.”
She expressed frustration over the lack of understanding from those who have viewed the video, emphasizing that there is always more to the story than what is captured in a brief clip.
“When it gets to your neck, you have to act,” she continued. “I didn’t want to make him go through a lot of stress, that’s why I waited till we got to Nigeria to do it, rather than Europe where I could have done it.
“Don’t make comments without knowing what happened. I have gone through a lot of family issues here and there.”
Mrs Igiebor also alluded to the sacrifices she had made throughout her marriage, hinting at a sense of betrayal and injustice that ultimately led her to take such a drastic step.
“I cannot be suffering—I suffered with him—and just like that, they want my suffering to be chartered away just like that,” she said. “Is it till when I die? Will you people know this woman did not speak out?
“Actions speak louder than words; I gave him my action, to know I have been bearing it.”
The incident has prompted a wide range of reactions from the public, both online and offline.
While some have expressed sympathy for Mrs Igiebor, acknowledging the potential emotional turmoil she may have experienced, others have criticized her for what they see as a reckless and illegal act.
Many social media users have pointed out the potential legal ramifications of tearing up a passport, with some questioning whether Mrs Igiebor fully understood the consequences of her actions.
Others have speculated about the possible strain in the couple’s relationship, with some suggesting that the incident may be indicative of deeper marital problems.
In the wake of the incident, legal experts have weighed in on the situation, highlighting the seriousness of passport destruction under Nigerian law.
