A senior officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Michael Gbenga Akomolafe, has been suspended due to allegations of drug trafficking. The officer was serving at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos and was brought before a Federal High Court in Lagos State.

Kenneth Udo, the Public Relations Officer for NIS, announced on July 24, 2024, that Akomolafe’s suspension follows internal investigations after his alleged involvement in trafficking drugs, including eight kilograms of methamphetamine and 7.60 kilograms of cannabis sativa. The NIS supports the ongoing legal proceedings to determine his guilt.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arraigned Akomolafe and three others, including Babatunde Olufemi of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nwadozie Amaechi, and Nwosu Cyril. They are facing charges related to conspiracy, unlawful possession, importation, and dealing in banned substances. While the three co-defendants pleaded guilty, Akomolafe denied all charges and was granted bail of N10 million.

Judge Daniel Osiagor sentenced the three co-defendants to four years in prison for each count, with the option to pay a fine of N2 million per count.

The NIS emphasized its commitment to discipline, zero tolerance for criminality, and high standards of service.