Alleged extortion: Customs hands over officer to police

By Abiodun OBA

An officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, alleged to have extorted N500,000.00 from a car buyer, Muhammad Ahmad, has been handed over to the Customs Police Unit.

The suspected officer, alleged to have committed the offence along Mokwa-Jebba Road in Niger, was on Monday handed over to the Assistant Provost Marshal (APM) of the unit in Kaduna.

The Comptroller, FOU, Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, Mr Dalha Wada-Chedi, while addressing newsmen in the premises of the unit confirmed that the suspected officer involved in this unwholesome act was an operative of the unit deployed to Mokwa Patrol Team.

Wada-Chedi said that the unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday as reported by the complainant.

The comptroller said, “Upon hearing the alleged unfortunate incident, I directed the 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.

“The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi and his management team frowned at such unruly behaviour 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.”

According to Wada-Chedi, the suspected officer was handed over to the APM Customs Police Unit for further investigation.

He added, “The Officer is hereby handed over for discreet investigation and the findings of the investigation will be transmitted to NCS-HQ for further action by the Nigeria Customs Service Board.

“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.

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

Wada-Chedi assured the public that the unit would give routine updates as the investigation progresses.

The comptroller promised that the investigation would be concluded as soon as possible, adding, “justice and fair hearing will be ensured.”

While appreciating the understanding and usual support of the public, he said, “I am humbly urging the public not to relent in rendering such invaluable support to us.”