Dokpesi Reveals Why He Was Invited By Nigeria Immigration Service

Media mogul and founder of Daar Communications PLC, Raymond Dokpesi, on Wednesday revealed that he was invited by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on issues related to his international passport.

Speaking to newsmen at the gate of the Immigration Head office in Abuja, shortly after an interrogation that lasted for about two hours, said that the Service wanted him to leave his passport with them.

He recalled that on his return to Nigeria on March 25 from a medical trip, immigration officers invited him on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport and was with them for about 50 minutes, before he was allowed to leave

According to NAN, Dokpesi said that the officer handed back his passport to him with an instruction that they would reach him subsequently.

“On Monday, I received new information and in line with the normal process, I returned my passport to the Federal High Court since I travelled under a judicial approval or permission,” he said.

“So, I returned my passport that I have gone and came back and gave notice that I might have to go for a medical checkup so that they will ensure that my medical operation was successful and that all the organs and everything are properly healed.

“When I got the (NIS) letter yesterday, (Tuesday) March 26, I replied that same yesterday 26 notifying them that I have returned the passport to the Federal High Court and that it has been duly acknowledged and added all the necessary information.”

International Passport

Dokpesi said that the officers who interrogated him, however, said that the service had expected him to go to the court and obtain the passport with their letter of invitation.

“I have returned, I got the passport from the Federal High Court, I have returned the passport to the Federal High Court.

“If the immigration service, with the instruction from above requires my passport, then write directly to the federal high court and request for the passport.

“I stood my ground and said, well I am a Nigerian citizen, I have travelled out for my medical treatment.

“I am back to the country and I voluntarily came back and have handed over my passport to the appropriate authority.

“They were telling me that passport was a property of the federal government and federal government has a right to withdraw it at any time,’’ he said.

Dokpesi said while agreeing that passport was a property of the federal government and it has the right to withdraw, he believed that he was also a citizen and judicial process and rule of law should be followed in doing so.

Asked of the issue has been resolved, Dokpesi said he was told that he could be invited again if the need arises.