Alleged Extortion of US-Based Nigerian Professor Sparks Investigation by Immigration Service

Title: Alleged Extortion of US-Based Nigerian Professor Sparks Investigation by Immigration Service

In a recent incident at the Seme border, the Nigeria Immigration Service is probing the alleged extortion of Professor Moyo Okediji, a United States-based Nigerian academic. Okediji, a Professor of Arts and History at the University of Texas, recounted his experience on Facebook, stating that immigration officers demanded $40 from him after a search, and later, $500 mysteriously disappeared from his luggage.

According to Okediji, the immigration officers insisted on being “settled” and threatened to seize all the money in his wallet if he didn’t comply. The professor complied, giving them $40, but later discovered the missing $500. His ordeal continued when he claimed to be harassed by suspected police officers in the FESTAC area of Lagos.

The professor expressed gratitude to a group of young Igbo men who intervened and prevented further issues with the police. The incident has gained attention, prompting the Nigeria Immigration Service to initiate an investigation.

When reached for comment, the NIS spokesperson, Dotun Aridegbe, confirmed that the situation is under investigation. Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer in FESTAC, Balogun Gboyega, suggested that Okediji should formally report the incident for a proper identification process.

As the investigation unfolds, the professor’s account sheds light on challenges faced by travelers at border crossings and raises concerns about the conduct of some immigration and police officers.