EFCC receives $54,330 Tramadol Bribe money from customs

By Abiodun OBA

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has collected the sum of $54,330 bribe money from Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi.

EFCC Lagos Zonal Commander, Mr. Michael Wetkas, fwc, received the money on behalf of EFCC.

Suspects involved in a case of false declaration of Tramadol as electrical appliances valued at over N856m offered the bribe to compromise the customs officers with a view to concealing them.

The Controller said the act was in clear violation of Section 233 of Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCAA) 2023 and commended the officers who stood their grounds to work ethically and lawfully in the interest of national security.

He further called for continuous compliance on the part of port users and reminded them that the NCS with the collaboration of sister agencies like EFCC will continue to frustrate criminal activities at the ports.

Nnadi thanked Comptroller Oloyede, under whose watch, the seizure was made, describing him as a good example of the NCS.

He said the two suspects arrested in connection with the two containers are currently being investigated by the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control for possible prosecution.

Mr. Michael Wekas while taking over the cash described the feat as a victory for the country and to all the security agencies. He specifically celebrated the officers of the NCS that achieved it.

Wetkas also lauded the Comptroller General for the letter of commendation in appreciation of the six customs officers who refused to bow to pressure and inducement from the owners of the illicit drugs.

He promised continued collaboration between the EFCC, NCS and sister agencies.

According to him, the era of working without collaboration is gone as the agencies now work closer.