Benue: Immigration officer accused of N12,000 extortion at checkpoint

A Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officer in Benue State has been accused of extorting N12,000 from a passenger at a North Bank checkpoint.

The passenger, en route from Makurdi to Abuja with Victoria Travels, was reportedly targeted by Officer Nasiru Haruna because of his dreadlocks and tattoos.

Eyewitnesses said Haruna demanded a National Identity Card and, when the man could not provide one, threatened to leave him behind unless he paid. 

The traveller ultimately transferred N12,000 to Haruna’s Opay account to continue the journey.

Human rights advocate Ukan Kurugh, informed by another commuter, called Haruna directly. 

The officer initially denied wrongdoing but later asked for the victim’s account details to issue a refund. During the call, a background voice was heard saying, “Nothing that nigga fit do you, guy. Tell him to do his worst.”

Kurugh denounced the incident as “a shameful abuse of power,” labelling the North Bank checkpoint a hotspot for harassment. 

He demanded an immediate refund and disciplinary measures, warning he would pursue legal action if authorities failed to act.