Coalition of women condemns arbitrary passport seizure by NIS

Womanifesto, a coalition of over 300 women’s rights and civil society organisations, has expressed concern over the alleged increasing cases of arbitrary passport seizure by personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service.

Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, the convener of the group, condemned the act in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ms Akiyode-Afolabi stated that the alleged actions constituted a violation of citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of movement, as guaranteed in Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

“There are reported incidents where travelers, including activists and businesspersons, were stopped at airports and had their passports taken without court orders or a clear legal basis.

“There is the case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose passport was reportedly seized at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja on Monday.

“Though the lawmaker later regained her passport, she missed her flight, and there are many other Nigerians who have suffered same actions by the NIS but lack the visibility to challenge such. This practice is unlawful, oppressive and erodes public trust in state institutions,” she said.

Ms Akiyode-Afolabi stated that citizens do not require political influence or media visibility to exercise their constitutional rights.

According to her, the right to movement is fundamental and non-negotiable.

She therefore called on the federal government and the comptroller-general of immigration to halt arbitrary passport seizures and issue clear directives to personnel, and investigate cases of alleged rights violations.

She also urged the NIS to establish transparent procedures for any lawful travel restrictions and to provide remedies for citizens affected by unjust travel disruptions.

”Womanifesto stands against the weaponisation of state institutions to harass or inconvenience citizens, particularly women and political voices,” she said.

She added that authorities should uphold the law and restore public confidence in immigration processes.