A Nigerian friend of mine in Turkey had a car accident, he damaged a car badly. He says the authorities took his passport in trade for him paying a fine for the accident. He also says these fees continue to incur daily at the rate of 60 Turkish lira per day, until he pays the fine, and he can then have his passport returned to him.

Can you tell me if this is common practice in Turkey? Holding the passport until fines have been paid?

Thank you for your time and assistance.