Joy Anyim
A Nigerian, Ndubuisi Ekwulonu, who was extorted and forced to pay twice for the mandatory COVID-19 test for international flight travellers, has gotten a refunded.
It was learnt that the victim had returned from Sweden to Abuja in September, and was, as a rule, expected to pay for and undertake a COVID-19 test at a designated laboratory.
According to Ekwulonu, despite paying for the test at the airport, the laboratory which took him hours to locate, also insisted he makes another payment for the test.
He claimed that even after the second payment was made, his name was still omitted from the list of persons to be tested.
He had narrated his hurdle on Bereket Family, a human right television programme, where he called on appropriate authorities to come to his rescue.
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The video of the alleged extortion had gone viral attracting the attention of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), whose officials swoop into action to investigate the alleged extortion.
In his narration, Ekwulonu said, “At the airport, there is a form the federal government said we would fill online before we leave where we are coming from.
“So, after I filled the form, there are two options; either I pay with card or on arrival. Because of the bad network in Nigeria, I chose the option of paying on arrival,
“So, on getting to Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja, I used my ATM card and I showed them a picture that I have filled the form and they saw the ‘capture’.
“They requested my passport number which I gave them and they filled it in on their computer and brought out their POS. I paid and was debited N42,750.
“I was given two options; one laboratory in Jabi, the other in Maitama. Because I live close to Maitama, I chose that.
“But if you put the address of the laboratory in Google, it will take you to Emab Plaza, one laboratory there.
“Bit on getting there, they told me it was not the laboratory. So, I came out, met a gateman to direct me to the place. He said I should go to THISDAY Dome. I went there; they said I should go to ministry of health in secretariat.
“At the ministry, I was directed to MM, one conference centre. So, I took the taxi there and found the lab.
“I told the guy that they will ban me from the country if I don’t do the test and he said he will forward my information to Lagos which he did. I waited all through that day for response from Lagos, but did not get it.
“I went home, came back. He checked the system and said my name is not on the list they gave him.
“Luckily for me, two people on the same flight with me came and couldn’t find their names. Even my friend from Sweden couldn’t find his name.
“Then they said I will have to pay another money if I want to do the test. I paid another N42,750 and did the test. I am supposed to leave Nigeria, on Saturday, they sent me a message that I have to pay again for another test.”
The victim in the video begged for help as he did not want to lose his job back in Sweden, which he said was not easy to come by.
“At my place of work in Sweden, we used to be about 5700 employee, 5000 were relieved of their appointment, and I was among those retained. It took me time to get this job because I am a Nigerian.
“Even a Rwandan will get a job before you, people you know, in every aspect of life, you are better than them. Just because you are carrying a Nigerian passport, to get a job will be hard, so how can I lose my job because I came into Nigeria?” he said amidst tears.
A tweet by FCCPC on Tuesday, @fccpcnigeria, confirmed Ekwulonu had gotten a refund.
The tweet read: “ Remember Ndubuisi Ekwulonu (in video below)? The Nigerian from Sweden, who after paying N42,750 for COVID-19 test at the airport was made to pay another N42,750 at the laboratory. We took up his matter and he has been refunded.”
The Commission also shares an appreciation letter sent by the victim, who had since returned to Sweden.
