NCS nabs impostor in the act

By Abiodun OBA

A 28-year-old impostor, Abubakar Ibrahim, defrauding innocent Nigerians in the name of the Nigeria Customs Service has been arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone B.

The operatives of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ relying on intelligence and collaboration with the Nigeria Police, Sokoto State Command, arrested Mr Abubakar Ibrahim on 29 April 2024 at Next level hotel in Sokoto State.

The suspect was arrested in Customs uniform and was handed over to the Customs Police Unit, Sokoto/Zamfara Command for discreet investigation.

In a press release by the Public Relations Officer of the unit, Mr Isah Sulaiman, a Superintendent of Customs, he said the Comptroller of the Unit, Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu appreciates the Nigeria Police, Sokoto State Command for their cooperation and swift response leading to the arrest of the culprit.

“Comptroller Shuaibu urged members of the public to disregard any social media account requesting money for recruitment or auction as the Service does not collect money for such exercises. He reiterated the Unit’s commitment in arresting and prosecuting fraudulent elements who parade themselves as Officers or Men of the Nigeria Customs Service on social media and other platforms.

“The Comptroller advised members of the public to follow only verified social media accounts of the NCS with the blue tick like Nigeria Customs Service on Facebook, @CustomsNG on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms including a recently created WhatsApp Channel.

“Comptroller Shuaibu added that members of the public should feel free to visit the nearest Public Relations Unit of any Customs Command for clarification on any issue concerning the Service.”

He said the suspect will be arraigned in Court in line with the extant laws.