Nigerian Man Caught at Dublin Airport with Fake Portuguese Passport Trying to Flee to Canada
A 26-year-old Nigerian national, Ibrahim Makonjuola of Clondalkin, Dublin, was arrested at Dublin Airport on Monday morning as he attempted to board a flight to Canada using a forged Portuguese passport.
The man, carrying two large suitcases, was intercepted at Terminal 1 departures. He faces charges under the Immigration Act for failing to produce a valid passport as a non-national, and under fraud legislation for possession of a false instrument.
GardaΓ confirmed the passport was fake after official checks. Makonjuola had entered Ireland from Cyprus, claiming his life was in danger in Lagos, Nigeria. He has lived in Ireland with known addresses and receives social welfare.
Bail was refused at Dublin District Court, with the judge citing him as a significant flight risk. He was remanded in custody to appear again later this week.
This case underscores ongoing issues with identity fraud and illegal travel attempts by foreign nationals at Irish airports.