Delta Immigration Officials Accused Of Passport Extortion Scheme

A civil society group, the Young Nigerian Rights Organisation, has filed a petition with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing immigration officers in Delta State of extorting passport seekers through illegal fees.

According to the petition, signed by Lead Activist Comrade Victor Ojei, officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in the state have been demanding as much as ₦100,000 for a 5-year passport and ₦150,000 to ₦160,000 for a 10-year passport, despite official prices being ₦50,000 and ₦100,000 respectively.

The group also cited additional unofficial charges such as a ₦12,200 “Commitment Fee” and a ₦20,500 “Fast Track Fee”, for which no receipts are issued. The Passport Control Officer (PCO) was identified as the alleged leader of this extortion scheme.

“We previously raised alarm through formal channels and public engagement. These illegal practices have continued unchecked,” the group stated.

They claimed that after filing the complaints, an Assistant Comptroller of Immigration contacted them, claiming to investigate the matter. However, the official allegedly avoided transparency by refusing to access verifiable data from the NIS database and instead demanded names and evidence directly from the group — a move seen as compromising their sources.

The activist group added that the internal investigation was superficial, with no real interrogation of the PCO or the accused officers, describing the effort as a “window-dressing exercise.”

They emphasized the need for an independent and thorough investigation by the ICPC, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), or the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to ensure accountability.

The petitioners claim to possess credible evidence, including bank account numbers and identities of the involved officials. They believe many more victims will speak up if an impartial investigation is conducted.

The group also called on the Governor of Delta State to intervene and protect the rights of innocent citizens being exploited.