By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
A 21-year-old Nigerian woman has accused an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) of unlawfully detaining and repeatedly assaulting her at the Akere riverine checkpoint near the Badagry–Benin border, prompting renewed calls for an independent investigation and stronger safeguards for travellers at border posts.
The allegations, first detailed in an investigative report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), centre on events said to have occurred between January 16 and January 19, 2026, at the Akere checkpoint in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State. The area borders Badagry in Lagos State and the Republic of Benin and serves as a busy crossing point for riverine transport.
According to the woman, identified as Ben Bright Friday, she was travelling by boat from Port Harcourt to the Benin Republic when immigration officers stopped her vessel after it had passed through earlier checkpoints. She alleges that an officer separated her from other passengers for questioning and subsequently kept her at the checkpoint for several days without access to communication or freedom of movement.
In her account to FIJ, Friday said she was accused of lying about her age and intentions for travel, and that her phone and personal belongings were confiscated. She also alleged that during the period of detention she was subjected to physical mistreatment and repeated sexual assault by the officer in charge of the post. She said she was released after several days but that some of her belongings remained in the custody of officers.
FIJ reported that other officers were present at the checkpoint during the period in question and that some individuals allegedly attempted to intervene or expressed concern about her situation. The report also stated that another staff member later facilitated communication between Friday and her family.
The officer named in the report, Isa Makama, who is said to be the officer in charge of the Akere control post, has denied all allegations. In messages quoted by FIJ, he maintained that he conducted his duties professionally and that the woman was being investigated as a potential trafficking victim. He also stated that he keeps video records of interrogations and suggested that the allegations were an attempt to discredit his work Amebo Newspaper NG learnt.
As of the time of publication of the FIJ report, the Nigeria Immigration Service Public Relations Office had not issued an official response to requests for comment. The agency has also not publicly confirmed whether an internal inquiry has been opened.
The allegations have sparked concern among civil society organisations and human-rights advocates, who say the case highlights longstanding issues around accountability and oversight at remote border checkpoints. Advocacy groups have called for an independent investigation, protection for the complainant, and the preservation of any available evidence, including surveillance footage and duty records.
Legal experts note that under Nigerian law, security personnel accused of unlawful detention or abuse can face both criminal and administrative sanctions if allegations are proven. They emphasise the importance of due process, thorough fact-finding, and support for any potential victims.
Community leaders in border regions have also raised concerns about the vulnerability of travellers, particularly young women, who often rely on informal transport routes and may have limited access to legal assistance when stopped by officials.
All parties stress that the claims remain allegations pending formal investigation. Observers say the response of the Nigeria Immigration Service and relevant oversight bodies in the coming days will be critical in determining whether the matter proceeds to an independent probe and possible disciplinary or criminal proceedings.
For now, the case has intensified scrutiny of border enforcement practices and renewed public debate over the need for transparency, accountability and protection of human rights at Nigeria’s entry and exit points.
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