An entrepreneur in Lagos has narrated how staff members of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) at the Sagamu Passport Office in Ogun State extorted N135,000 from her.

The entrepreneur, who pleaded anonymity, told FIJ that she had a terrible experience at the Sagamu passport office on June 9 when she went to apply for her international passport.

She said as soon as she arrived at the office, an NIS staff member told her she had to pay N45,000 if she wanted to get her passport on time.

“Although they are officers, they collect money like agents to work and process the passports to make the collection easier,” she said.

“I paid the agent N135,000 that day because I went with two of my kids and I paid for them too. But this was just the first part of payment.”

She said she discovered the Sagamu passport office staffers were illegally extorting Nigerians. She said they treated her with disdain when she needed them to attend to her, because she refused to bribe them individually.

She also said the officers were aware one of them had taken money from her, but still wanted some.

“One would have to pay up to four people or more before one gets to a capturing level, and they will frustrate the life out of you,” she said.

“You will beg them and cry for them to attend to you. They could say ‘this photocopy is not clear’ before they attend to you. They aren’t hiding their corruption.”

“I didn’t pay anyone anything before leaving, but it cost me time and energy. I went to their boss’ office to plead with her so I could do capturing. She reluctantly agreed, and I left there by 7 pm.”

When FIJ contacted Kolawole Amao, the Comptroller of Immigration Service, Ogun State Command, he said it was wrong for an officer to receive a bribe.

“I agree with you that this is wrong because it is not in our character. But if we call the officer, he is likely to deny. If you are able to help me generate proof, this will be easier,” he stated.

“She can reach out to me, preferably come to my office so we can get the identity of that person. We have to start making scapegoat of some people.”