The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for an investigation into the donation of electronic equipment by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), alleging that the transaction could compromise transparency and raise concerns about undue influence.
MURIC Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday, saying the faith-based rights organisation was concerned about the acceptance of equipment from a religious body for use in immigration operations.
According to Akintola, the equipment reportedly donated included 20 HP Envy All-in-One computers, 20 passport readers, 20 Logitech webcams, two HP LaserJet printers and five HP ZBook laptop computers.
He questioned why a religious organisation should donate equipment to a government agency under the Federal Ministry of Interior, describing the development as one requiring public scrutiny.
MURIC alleged that such donations could create the impression of inducement or undue influence and called on the relevant authorities to establish whether due process was followed.
The organisation also raised concerns over allegations by some Muslim applicants that they had been asked to remove religious items such as hijabs, turbans and caps during passport capturing.
Akintola alleged that the equipment could potentially be manipulated against Islamic modes of dressing, although he provided no technical evidence to substantiate the claim.
He further expressed concern over reports that the donation was made following a request from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja Command of the NIS.
According to MURIC, information published by the church indicated that the equipment was requested to improve the efficiency of immigration platforms, including MIDAS, E-Gate, e-Visa Clearance and e-Landing/Exit Card systems.
The church also reportedly stated that the equipment would benefit travellers and facilitate the processing of arriving missionaries and their immigration status.
MURIC, however, questioned the reference to missionaries, arguing that all travellers should receive equal treatment under immigration procedures.
The group therefore urged the Ministry of Interior to investigate the circumstances surrounding the donation and make its findings public.
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“MURIC calls for a probe into this allegation,” Akintola said, adding that the ministry would be doing Nigerians a disservice if it failed to investigate the matter and disclose its findings.
The organisation said it was raising the concerns in defence of what it described as the religious rights of Muslim applicants seeking immigration services.
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