Nigeria to investigate alleged issuance of second passport to Abuja realtor
Nigeria’s Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has ordered an investigation into the alleged issuance of a second Nigerian passport to Abuja realtor Rebecca Godwin-Isaac, who is facing trial in cases involving alleged land fraud. As Premium Times Nigeria reports, the order followed an appeal from the lawyers of the complainant’s family.
The lawyers said they learned that Godwin-Isaac had left the country, although her previous passport is being held by the Federal High Court, according to them. In a letter from the Ministry of Interior dated August 31, the lawyers were invited to a meeting with the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalena Ajani; it was postponed until September 4.
Review of passport records
According to the publication, at the meeting Ajani told the lawyers that the minister had instructed that the complaint be examined directly by the ministry, rather than merely referred to the Nigeria Immigration Service. She said the ministry would review the service’s records to establish the passport numbers and the circumstances under which the other document was issued.
A representative of the law firm of Laefa Ajuwa submitted copies of passport documents to the ministry. Ajani requested clearer copies for verification. The lawyers claim that Godwin-Isaac reported passport No. B00485650 as lost or stolen and later received passport No. B51450551. They questioned the issuance of another document because, according to them, the first passport remained valid and was in court.
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The lawyers also said that the second passport was allegedly issued without the applicant’s personal presence for the collection of biometric data. At the same time, Ajani recalled that people who have lost their passport or had it stolen may apply for a replacement document after submitting the required papers.
Complaint to the immigration service
The lawyers’ previous notice to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service was dated September 7, and the service confirmed receipt on September 8. The lawyers gave the agency 30 days to respond and warned of a possible court action. They intend to seek an investigation, the cancellation of the disputed passport, and the placement of Godwin-Isaac on a watchlist.
Godwin-Isaac, her husband Isaac Ishaku, Richard John, as well as Homadil Realty Limited and Rychado Homes Limited, are on trial in two cases involving alleged land fraud, document forgery, and money laundering. Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission claims that the defendants received more than 500 million naira from victims in 2023–2024 in connection with disputed properties in the Guzape and Katampe areas of Abuja. The defendants deny these claims. The hearing is scheduled to continue on October 26.
