Nigeria to withdraw passports from citizens who renounce their status
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has instructed the Nigeria Immigration Service to immediately withdraw and deactivate passports belonging to individuals who have formally renounced their Nigerian citizenship. This directive, issued through his Special Adviser on Media, Alao Babatunde, applies to those whose renunciation requests have received presidential approval. Minister Tunji-Ojo stated that the ministry's authority for this action stems from Section 291 and 2 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. This constitutional provision outlines that a Nigerian citizen of full age can renounce their citizenship through a prescribed declaration, and upon registration of this declaration by the President, the individual ceases to be a citizen of Nigeria. The Minister emphasized that once a person is no longer a citizen, they cannot possess any Nigerian sovereign document, including a passport. He also noted that this measure aligns with ongoing passport and visa reforms by the ministry, aiming to prevent former citizens from using Nigerian passports after their renunciation has been officially recognized. Tunji-Ojo affirmed the commitment to strengthening systems that secure Nigeria's borders, prevent identity fraud, preserve the sanctity of Nigerian citizenship, and facilitate legitimate travel while preventing unauthorized access.
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Onyema Ekpenyong, a Lagos-based businessman, is appealing for the return of his elder brother, Andrew Ekpenyong's, body from South Africa. Andrew, a mechanic, relocated to South Africa in 2007 and was found dead in a mortuary after police reportedly searched his home. According to Onyema, Andrew received a phone call on a Sunday evening, went out, and never returned. Later that night, policemen searched his house, but his girlfriend and apprentice, who were present, stated nothing incriminating was found. The next morning, Andrew's associates were directed to a government mortuary where his body was found. The police claimed he died after falling while jogging, but witnesses reported seeing traces of handcuffs and wounds on his body, suggesting he was beaten to death. Onyema spoke with Andrew's girlfriend and apprentice, noting their answers were suspicious. Andrew's wife and children were not living with him at the time. The Nigerian community in South Africa has issued a press statement demanding a comprehensive investigation and an autopsy, but no arrests have been made. Onyema's mother, who last spoke with Andrew in March when he promised to visit Nigeria in December, is distraught. The family is seeking assistance from both the Nigerian and South African governments to bring Andrew's killers to justice and facilitate the return of his remains to Nigeria for burial.
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