NIS suspends officer over drug charges

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it has suspended Akomolafe Michael over alleged drug trafficking.

On May 21, Michael was reportedly arrested for allegedly trafficking 8kg of methamphetamine and 7.60kg of cannabis sativa. 

On Monday, he was arraigned before a federal high court in Lagos on a nine-count charge of alleged conspiracy, unlawful possession, importation and dealing in the prohibited substances.

In a statement on Wednesday, Kenneth Udo, NIS spokesperson, said the officer has been subjected to internal processes.

Udo assured the public of the service’s zero tolerance for criminality. 

“The attention of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has been drawn to a publication by sections of the media that linked Akomolafe Gbenga Michael, one of its officers serving at Murtala Muhammad International Airport, to multiple charges of alleged drug trafficking which resulted in his arraignment before a federal high court in Lagos,” the statement reads.

“The service wishes to inform the public that the officer in question has since been subjected to internal processes and placed under suspension following the allegation of his involvement in the case in May, 2024.

“The service, therefore, fully supports the court proceedings aimed at determining the level of his culpability.

“Nigeria Immigration Service awaits the court judgement before making further comments on this to avoid subjudice.

“The service reaffirms its commitment to excellent service delivery, discipline, and zero tolerance for criminality and will not hesitate to sanction any officer whose conduct is contrary to these ideals.”