The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken decisive disciplinary action against an officer accused of extorting ₦500,000 from a car buyer named Muhammad Dahiru Ahmad along the Mokwa-Jebba Road in Niger State.
Comptroller Dalha Chedi, the head of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, oversaw the handover of the officer to the Assistant Provost Marshal (APM) of the Customs Police Unit in Kaduna. This handover took place at the Unit’s Headquarters in Kaduna on Monday, 26th February 2024.
Addressing the media, Comptroller Chedi confirmed that the accused officer is a member of the Unit and that the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, 22nd February 2024, according to the complainant’s report.
He stated, “Upon learning of the alleged incident, I directed the Customs Police Unit responsible for maintaining discipline within the Service to apprehend the officer and transfer him to the Unit’s Headquarters in Kaduna for further investigation. Additionally, the complainant was invited to assist in the investigation.”
Comptroller Chedi emphasized the disapproval of such misconduct by the Customs boss, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team.
He assured that the disciplinary committee would be diligent and resolute in handling the matter. “The Service is committed to addressing disciplinary issues promptly and firmly, and this case will be no different,” he affirmed.
He condemned the officer’s actions and promised that the investigation’s findings would be made public to discourage similar behavior in the future. “This unethical and unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. We have initiated a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the allegations. The results will be disclosed to serve as a deterrent,” he stated.
“We are deeply troubled by this incident and assure the public that it will be handled with utmost seriousness, decisiveness, and transparency,” he concluded.
