Nigeria Customs investigates officer accused of extortion

The Nigeria Customs Service has commenced investigation of an officer alleged to have extorted N500, 000 from a car buyer, identified as Muhammad Dahiru Ahmad, along the Mokwa-Jebba Road in Niger State.

The Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, Dalha Chedi, handed over the officer to the Assistant Provost Marshal of the Customs Police Unit, at the headquarters of the unit in Kaduna on Monday.

While addressing journalists on the matter, Chedi confirmed that the suspected officer involved in the unwholesome act is indeed an operative of the unit deployed to the Mokwa Patrol Team in Niger State, and the unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, February 22, 2024, as reported by the complainant.

He said: “Upon hearing the alleged unfortunate incident, I directed the Customs Police Unit in the zone responsible for enforcing discipline in the service to apprehend the officer and move him to the unit’s headquarters here in Kaduna for further interrogation. Also, the complainant was invited to assist in the investigation.”

According to him, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team frown at such unruly behaviour.

“As such, the disciplinary committee will be diligent and firm. The Service is very pragmatic and practical in disciplinary cases, and this one will not be an exception,” he said.

“The officer is hereby handed over to the APM Customs Police Unit for investigation, and the findings of the investigation will be transmitted to NCS-HQ for further action by the Nigeria Customs Service Board as it is the only body that handles the appointment, promotions and discipline of all senior officers of the service, ” he added.

Speaking further, Chedi said: “This unprofessional and ungodly act will not be condoned. A thorough investigation has just commenced by this handing over to unravel the facts surrounding the allegation. The outcome shall be made public to serve as a deterrent to others.

“We are deeply concerned and assure the general public that the matter will be treated with the deserved vigour, decisiveness and transparency.”