How Customs Operatives Allegedly Obtain N1m From US Returnee At Lagos Airport
Customs CG Adeniyi
LAGOS JUNE 16TH (NEWSRANGERS)-Two operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service attached to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) collaborated and stole N1 million from Oke Adhekegba, a Nigerian returning from the United States of America (USA), on May 16.
Adhekegba arrived at the airport from the US on a British Airways flight on that day with five suitcases containing his personal effects, such as shoes, clothes, and other items for his children and relatives.
At the customs point, the fraudulent operatives, identified by their first names, Adebayo and Ugboma, checked Adhekegba’s luggage and claimed that he had to pay for customs clearance as revenue for the federal government.
POS RECEIPT
They demanded N5 million. In their firm determination not to leave the victim alone until he parted with some money, they tossed him around, frustrated him and tried to get him to negotiate the unlawful demand. With the victim getting more frustrated and feeling unsafe at 9 pm, the officers agreed to take N1 million.
Returnee’s flight ticket
“I had thought they would provide a government account number but no, it was a female PoS merchant they brought. The merchant, whom I am convinced is their accomplice, provided her PalmPay account number 9551197XXX with Shaaibu Rabiu as the account number,” Adhekegba said.
“I had nothing incriminating on me or in my luggage. They said they had about five pairs of shoes in my bags. I asked them, ‘Are the shoes not of the same size?’ I said, ‘Is there any law that says I cannot enter Nigeria with my pairs of shoes?’ They claimed one of my bags was worth $5,000. Luckily, I had not removed a price tag, showing $106, from the bag.
“They collected the money and claimed that they would pay the money to the government coffers the following day. This is pure robbery.
“I was already tired and exhausted, flying about 17 hours from Houston. After robbing me of my money, that officer Adebayo still had the effrontery to come to me to ask me to give him a pair of sandals I bought for my daughter.
“Some people told me this is the order of the day. Everyday, they rattle people to collect money. It needs to stop. I did not deserve to experience such a callous treatment.”
Efforts to reach the leadership of the customs command at the airport, led by Comptroller Effiong Harrison, for comments and proper identification of Adebayo and Ugboma were futile as Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS spokesperson, declined calls placed to his line. He did not respond to a follow up text asking for the command’s contact details.
The unprofessional conduct of these officers exposes the disturbing characteristics of many Nigerian airport staff members. They habitually operate with impunity, harassing, stealing and extorting money from travellers, contrary to standard operating procedures.
In December, FIJ reported how Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku, the managing director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), revealed that top aviation security commanders at the terminal were getting cuts from proceeds of extortions perpetrated by their subordinates. She then promised to usher in policy programmes to address such misconduct.
“I’ve also got feedback from AVSEC [aviation security] officers, from Customs saying that they are not collecting pension, so this is the way for them to generate or earn their pension. This has to stop,” she said.
“I have a very clear directive; it goes for the team leads, it goes for the HODs [head of departments] and it goes for the heads of organisations at the airport. If your organisation is found wanting, then it means that you as a leader have failed and it means that I have failed. And this better stop.
“I also hear that agencies are giving returns to their bosses. So, let’s have frank conversations in here. The airport is no longer a place to come and make money.
“So, if anyone in your organisation is asking you to make returns, AVSEC, I am saying the same to you and to all of the other agencies here, you better tell them you don’t want to come here because the penalties are going to be stiff.”
Similarly, the most recent business facilitation report by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) identified the NCS as one of the most inefficient federal agencies. It also stated that coordinated extortionate networks existed among airport staff to take bribes and frustrate businesses.
“During the spot inspection, the tea observed several instances of rent-seeking behaviour by officials at the airport. Also, there was no evidence that proper consequence management of disciplinary measures were being taken against these erring officers,” the report noted.
Foundation For Investigative Journalism
For media advert placement, events coverage, media consultancy, placement of publications and further inquiries please WhatsApp 2348023773039 or email: labakevwe@yahoo.com
Short URL: https://newsrangers.com/?p=136593
Posted by News Rangers
on Jun 16 2025. Filed under Business, National.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
