Crime
Extortion Claims Rock Customs As Investigation Takes Shape
The Kano-Jigawa command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has initiated an investigation into allegations of extortion involving traders at Abubakar Rimi Market, also known as Sabon Gari.
This probe comes in response to complaints from local businessmen who have accused certain customs officials of extorting them.
Nazifi Auwalu, Public Relations Officer for the Sabon Gari Shop Owners and Online Marketers Association, stated that the extortion has severely impacted their businesses, creating significant challenges in transporting goods into Kano State.
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He described the situation as dire, with customs officials allegedly pursuing them aggressively and seizing their goods despite the fact that they do not import from abroad but primarily source their products locally, especially from Lagos.
He added “Recently, our vehicle load of perfume was arrested by some customs officials who accused us of conveying contraband. The vehicle was moved to the customs office and was ransacked and nothing was gotten from it.
“One Officer in charge, FOU, told us that we have to pay the sum of N1 million or else the vehicle will not be allowed to go out of the building. You can’t even go into his office until you are searched and you have to drop your phone. That’s how we were extorted that amount which was received by the Officer.”
Another businessman, Nura Abdullahi, recounted his experience of being extorted for N3 million, ultimately paying N2 million at the Kaduna customs office.
Abdullahi’s vehicle was seized at the Kano-Kaduna toll gate while en route from Lagos and taken to Kaduna for inspection.
He said, “For me, my vehicle was arrested at Kano-Kaduna toll gate on its way from Lagos and was taken back to Kaduna. It was searched and there was nothing. At first, they told us that if they found anything they will seize the vehicle and the goods and we agreed.
“We asked them to allow the vehicle to go since there is nothing but they refused. We first paid N150,000 for uploading and taking back the goods and we paid. At last we have to pay that N2 million cash.”
In response to the allegations, Nura Abdullahi, the Public Relations Officer for the Kano-Jigawa command of the Customs Service, stated that an investigation is underway.
He assured that those involved will be held accountable, with a team already in the process of arresting officials implicated in the extortion.
. . . As Operatives Recover Dangerous Weapons, Other Assets
As part of the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to emplace peace and public safety across Nigeria, operatives attached to the Imo State Police Command achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
The feat saw operatives neutralised three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN), destroyed their camps and recovered weapons.
In a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday, the NPF wrote, “On January 24, 2025, operatives from the Command’s tactical Unit following credible intelligence launched a coordinated operation aimed at locating and dislodging the terrorist hideouts.
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“The police operatives located the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe LGA. Upon approach, the operatives came under heavy fire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists but demonstrated exceptional courage and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
“The operation resulted in the neutralization of 6 members of the terrorist group, with 3 being ESN kingpins identified as Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi (22), and Kingsley Sunday (21)— all natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area, and the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, along with 8 operational motorcycles used by the group.
“Prior investigations had revealed the involvement of the group in several high-profile crimes, including the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center on April 5, 2021, the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022, and the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022.
“The group was also involved in multiple kidnappings, including those of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the gallant operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination.
“The IGP charges police operatives across commands and formations to sustain the tempo and implement the Force’s action plan aimed at reducing crimes drastically in the first quarter of the year 2025.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains unyielding in its goal towards ensuring national security and public safety.
“Members of the public are hereby urged to remain vigilant and work collaboratively with the Nigeria Police Force to promote peace and ensure a safer environment for all citizens.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Thankgod, the former manager of renowned gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo.
Biztellers reports that Thankgod is facing allegations of involvement in a $345,000 fraud case.
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The arrest warrant had been issued by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court on January 16, 2025, following an ex parte application by the EFCC seeking to compel Thankgod’s appearance in court.
During a court session on Friday, EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, applied to withdraw the warrant, stating that the charges had already been served on Thankgod’s lawyer, Mr. Monday Ubani, SAN, during open court proceedings.
She argued that the warrant was no longer necessary.
Justice Owoeye granted the application and formally vacated the bench warrant.
Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, appeared in the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday to challenge charges of N12.3 billion fraud.
Biztellers reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count indictment against Otudeko, along with Olabisi Onasanya, former Managing Director of FirstBank Plc., Soji Akintayo, a former board member of Honeywell, and Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
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During the proceedings, the defendants’ lawyer, Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), raised an objection, stating that the charge had not been properly served to Otudeko or his co-defendants.
Olanipekun emphasized this issue as a reason for protest in court.
The EFCC has accused the individuals and the company of fraudulently obtaining N12.3 billion under false pretenses.
More to follow………..
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