Customs Police Arrests, Investigates Officer Charged With N500,000 Extortion

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service, Police Unit, has taken custody of an operative with the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, charged with alleged extortion of N500,000.00, purportedly from a car buyer.

Controller of the FOU Zone B, Comptroller Dalha Wada Chedi according to a statement on Monday, handed over the indicted officer identified by the victim, one Muhammad Dahiru Ahmad believed to be doing business along Mokwa-Jebba Road in Niger State to the Assistant Provost Marshal (APM) Customs Police Unit, Kaduna.

The FOU Zone B Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs, Isah Sulaiman in the statement on behalf of the Unit Controller said the Officer in question is an operative of the Unit, serving with the Mokwa Patrol Team in Niger State.

He further disclosed that the incident happened in the early hours of Thursday, February 22, 2024.

Comptroller Cheldi was quoted as saying, “Upon hearing the alleged unfortunate incident, I directed the Customs Police Unit in the Zone that is 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 as well”, noting that the action is in line with the CGC’s zero tolerance to acts of unpreofessiona conduct and indiscipline.

“The Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his Management team frowned at such unruly behavior as such the disciplinary committee will be diligent and firm. In fact the Service is very pragmatic and practical in disciplinary cases and this one will not be an exception.

“The Officer is hereby handed over to the APM Customs Police Unit for discreet 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.

“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 and the outcome shall be made public to serve as a deterrent to others.”

Cheldi assured that the general public will be availed of the update of the investigation.

“We are deeply concerned and we assure the general public that the matter will be treated with the deserved vigour, decisiveness, and transparency. In addition, the Unit will continue to update the public as the investigation progresses while appreciating the understanding and usual support of the public.”