The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill proposing a 10-year passport ban for citizens convicted of crimes overseas, aiming to restore Nigeria’s international reputation and deter criminal behavior abroad. Sponsored by Senator Abubakar Bello (Niger North), the bill amends the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, as reported by Channels TV.
During the debate, Senator Onawo Ogwoshi (Nasarawa South), speaking for the sponsor, stressed the bill’s urgency, describing it as both punitive and preventive. He highlighted how criminal actions by a few Nigerians tarnish the country’s image, leading to harassment, visa denials, and disrespect for the Nigerian passport. “The green passport, once a symbol of pride, is now widely disrespected. This is a state of emergency,” he said.
The proposed law would revoke the passport of a convicted citizen for 10 years after completing their foreign sentence, signaling Nigeria’s commitment to accountability and reassuring international partners.
A recent case involves Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, a dual Nigerian-U.S. citizen. Oloyede, 62, was sentenced on August 26 to 56 months in prison in the U.S. for leading a conspiracy to exploit COVID-19 emergency loan programs. He was ordered to serve three years of supervised release, pay $4,408,543.38 in restitution, and forfeit his Ohio home and $96,006.89 in fraud proceeds, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.
