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.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
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“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
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The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
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Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.
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