NIS Orders Probe Of Officer Accused Of Sexual Assault, Promises Disciplinary Action

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has ordered a comprehensive investigation into allegations of grave misconduct levelled against one of its personnel, following claims of unlawful detention and sexual assault involving a 21-year-old Nigerian woman.

In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Service said its attention had been drawn to an online publication alleging serious human rights violations by an immigration officer.

“The attention of the Nigeria Immigration Service has been drawn towards an online publication alleging grave misconduct by one of its personnel, including claims of unlawful detention and sexual assault involving a Nigerian woman,” the statement read.

Describing the allegations as “extremely serious,” the NIS stressed that any act of misconduct by its officers is unacceptable and would be addressed decisively.

“NIS considers these allegations extremely serious and emphasizes that any acts of misconduct by any of its personnel is entirely unacceptable and will be treated with the severity they deserve, as they undermine the Service’s values, ethics and professional standards,” the Service stated.

According to the NIS, a full-scale investigation has been ordered, with assurances that any officer found culpable would face disciplinary and legal consequences.

“The Service has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the allegations, and any personnel found to have engaged in the misconduct will be held accountable and appropriate disciplinary and legal actions will be applied,” it added.

The Service further pledged transparency and accountability, noting that it would not protect any officer involved in rights violations.

“The Service will neither shield nor condone any act that undermines public trust or violates the rights and dignity of individuals.”

The statement followed accusations made by a 21-year-old woman, who spoke to the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), alleging that she was intercepted by immigration officers on January 16 and unlawfully detained for two days.

According to her account, one of the officers, identified as Isa Makama and allegedly addressed as “Oga,” sexually assaulted and repeatedly raped her during the period of detention.

“Makama continued sleeping with me through Saturday and Sunday until the last day,” she told FIJ. “There were three other girls there.”

The woman further alleged that the sexual abuse lasted for four days.

The Foundation for Investigative Journalism shared the account on X, sparking widespread public outrage and calls for accountability.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no response from the accused officer, while investigations by the Nigeria Immigration Service were ongoing.