Customs Detains Four Officers over Death of Man in Ogun

Abiola Seun, Tayo Oladipupo

Following the alleged killing of one Godwin Onoja by operative of the Federal Operations Unit, (FOU) A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Sunday in Ogun, the service has detained four of its officers over the incident.

In a press statement made available to newsmen yesterday, the National Public Relations Officer of the Command, DC Joseph Attah said the service is in touch with the bereaved family of the deceased.

According to Attah, the Comptroller General of the service, Hameed Ali (Rtd) had set up a panel led by the Zonal Coordinator, A to investigate the killing and vowed that any officer caught on the wrong side will be dealt with accordingly.

Recall that a Customs officer, ASCI Destiny Onebamho on Sunday shot dead a Customs friend in a heated argument with members of a passenger bus in an attempt to intercept bales of used clothing.

But in a statement yesterday, the Customs spokesman said, “Following the unfortunate incident on Sunday 17th February 2019 at Sagamu Interchange involving Operatives of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, which led to the death of a fellow citizen, Mr. Godwin Agada Onoja, the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to maintain close contact with the bereaved family.

“We are pained by this sad development and share the grief of losing a fellow compatriot in a seemingly avoidable circumstance. We are and will continue to take every necessary step that will cushion the pain associated with losing a dear one.”

“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) has directed a thorough investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident with the view to ensuring that justice is served.”

The service image maker who assured that the outcome of the panel would be made public for all Nigerians further stated that the officers whose rifle discharged would also face the panel as soon as he’s fit.

“In line with this directive, the investigation panel headed by the Zonal Coordinator Zone A, ACG Kaycee Ekekezie has interrogated and detained four members of the patrol team.

“The panel could not immediately conclude the investigation because the actual officer (ASCI Destiny Onebamho) whose riffle discharged is presently receiving medical attention as a result of attack following the unfortunate incident. He will face the panel as soon as he is fit to do so, to enable the panel conclude investigation and recommend appropriate action(s).

“NCS is a reputable organization known for integrity and responsibility. In line with our corporate values, we will not shield any operative found wanting in this ongoing investigation. The Service appreciates the public concern and strong emotions drawn from the viral video with narratives that created various opinions.”

“Nigerians will recall that in 2017, the Service made public its investigation and dismissal of five (5) officers implicated in the illegal release of the 661-pump action riffles from Apapa Port. The dismissed officers were immediately handed over for prosecution alongside the importer and agent. A prosecution that is ongoing at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi Lagos.”

He further assured that the investigation would comprised the weapon handling skills and actions that must be taken by the Service to possibly prevent future occurrence.

“In the same vein, the ongoing investigation will be holistic including looking at the weapon handling skills and actions that must be taken by the Service to possibly prevent future occurrence.

We will continue to update the public details of every action taken in the handling of this unfortunate incident.”