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.
Read More: BBNaija S9: Ozee Comforts Onyeka After Sister Chizoba’s Eviction
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.
In a dramatic turn of events, officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attempted to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on Wednesday night at the Kogi State Governor’s lodge located in Asokoro, Federal Capital Territory.
The operation was met with resistance from security personnel at the lodge, resulting in gunfire during the altercation.
Authorities quickly cordoned off the area, limiting access to EFCC agents and other security forces.
Related News: Yahaya Bello Finally Faces EFCC, Says He Has Nothing To Hide
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Bello has since left the lodge, accompanied by the current Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo. Following the incident, normalcy appears to have returned to the vicinity.
This latest attempt to apprehend Bello follows his long-standing status on the EFCC’s wanted list for allegedly laundering N80.2 billion. After months of evading capture, a statement from the Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, indicated that the former governor had agreed to attend an EFCC invitation after consulting with his family, legal advisors, and political allies.
However, the EFCC responded by clarifying that Bello is not in their custody and remains a wanted individual due to the serious money laundering charges against him, as reiterated by spokesman Dele Oyewale.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has debunked reports of wanted former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello surrendering himself to the Commission.
This was disclosed in a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Wednesday by its Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
ALSO READ: Yahaya Bello Finally Faces EFCC, Says He Has Nothing To Hide
It wrote, “Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.
“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”
Lagos Police Command’s Onikan Division has arrested Yakubu Yusuf for vandalizing part of the railings on the Third Mainland Bridge.
The arrest followed a tip-off about vandalism occurring near the Old School of Nursing area on the bridge.
In a statement released on X.com on Wednesday, the Lagos State Police Command detailed that Yusuf, aged 28, was apprehended after officers responded to reports of the ongoing damage.
Authorities recovered 21 long pieces of aluminum railings from the scene.
The police indicated that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts underway to locate and arrest additional suspects involved in the vandalism.
Read Also: JUST IN: Sean Diddy Charged With Racketeering, Sex Trafficking
The statement reads, “Officers of Onikan Division after receiving information of the activities of some vandals who were vandalizing the railings of the bridge by Old School of Nursing inward Third Mainland Bridge, arrested one Yakubu Yusuf ‘m’ aged 28 and twenty one (21) long pieces of aluminum railings were recovered. Investigation is on to arrest other fleeing suspects.”
Adeleke Opens Up On Osun Airport, Hails Makinde For Upgrading Ibadan Airport
NNPC Ltd/TotalEnergies’ $550m Ubeta Upstream Gas Project Takes Off
EFCC Attempts To Arrest Former Kogi Gov, Yahaya Bello Amid Gunfire
CTA Alerts On Potential Violence Ahead Of Edo Guber Poll
Arsenal’s Ødegaard Set For Prolonged Absence Due To Ankle Injury
Accountants, Key Players In All Forms Of Fraud – EFCC Chairman
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Adeosun: We are investing in infrastructure to grow the private sector
Shell launches Nigeria campaign on energy efficiency
