Enugu Immigration Command In Extortion Allegations
A major crisis has erupted in the Enugu State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service over allegations of extortion and the sudden redeployment of more than 50 officers.
The dispute centres on claims that illegal fees were imposed on passport applicants despite federal reforms aimed at ending such practices.
The allegations involve senior immigration officials accused of introducing extra charges for passport processing, including payments described as commitment and express fees.
These charges are said to have continued even after applicants paid official government rates, raising concerns among staff and applicants within the command.
Tension reportedly escalated after officers who resisted the alleged practices were accused of inciting opposition within the office.
This was followed by a wide transfer exercise affecting personnel from Enugu State to other commands across the country, including Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa and Edo, under a zonal posting order.
While the redeployment has been defended by immigration authorities as part of routine staff movement meant to prevent corruption and improve efficiency, critics say it was used to suppress internal resistance.
The command leadership has denied wrongdoing and maintained that all actions taken were within administrative procedures.
