Metro

Customs Intercepts N1.7bn Falsely Declared Goods Across South-West Zone

Published

3 months ago

July 20, 2025

The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has revealed that it intercepted six trailer loads of 50kg rice, 304kg of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp), 7,900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, one 40ft container load of used tyres, and other contraband goods worth ₦1.7 billion across the South-West region of the country between 3rd June and 18th July 2025.

Addressing newsmen at the weekend in Lagos, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, explained that a total of nine suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures.

The Customs CG, who was represented by the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs and Coordinator for Operations Whirlwind, Hussein Ejibunu, also added that the Unit recovered a total of ₦95,587,231.47 in underpaid duties within the period under review.

According to the Customs CG, “Distinguished members of the press, esteemed officers and men of the service, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja–Lagos.

“We are gathered here today to provide an update on the Unit’s activities and achievements over the past few weeks, particularly our relentless efforts to dismantle smuggling syndicates, curb illicit trade, and disrupt criminal networks operating within our area of responsibility.

“In the past four weeks, from 3rd June to 18th July 2025, the Unit has sustained a high operational tempo across the South-Western states. Our intelligence-led operations have enabled us to proactively intercept smuggled goods, disrupt illicit supply chains, and strengthen border enforcement.

“During this period, a total of 102 enforcement interventions were recorded, leading to the interception of a wide range of prohibited and smuggled goods. Breakdown of major seizures during this period includes: 3,500 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) – equivalent to six trailer loads; 304kg of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp); 7,900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – in 316 jerry cans of 25 litres each; 54 bags and 20 bales of used clothing; 41 sacks and bags of used footwear; 14 units of used (“Tokunbo”) vehicles; 148 pieces of used tyres; 42 used gas cylinders; 31 units of air conditioning systems; and 95 cartons of frozen poultry products.

“Other notable seizures include one 40ft container with container number TRHU 83907321 fully loaded with used tyres; one 20ft container with number ONEU241369 containing medicaments; two 40ft containers with numbers MSKU 4796036 and MAEU 9205708; and one truck with container body conveying used fridges, foreign supermarket items, and used clothes. All the containers were wrongly declared to evade duties.”

On arrests and prosecution, the Customs CG stated that, “A total of nine suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures. While some were granted administrative bail, others have been, or will be, handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.”

On the value of the seizures, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi explained that, “The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all intercepted items stands at an impressive ₦1,784,432,000.

“The Unit also ensures compliance with import and export regulations. We have continued to scrutinise questionable declarations, correct under-valuations, and issue Demand Notices (DNs) where appropriate.

“Between 3rd June and 18th July 2025, the Unit recovered a total of ₦95,587,231.47 in underpaid duties.

“While we maintain vigilance against smuggling and fraud, the FOU remains a strong partner in trade facilitation. We continue to support legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that strike a balance between security enforcement and economic growth, ensuring that lawful traders are not unduly hindered in the process.”

On its commitment to professionalism and collaboration, the Customs Boss stated that the Federal Operations Unit remains deeply committed to executing its mandate with the utmost professionalism and in strict adherence to extant regulations.

“Our operations are conducted with restraint, respect for human rights, and a commitment to peaceful enforcement.

“To enhance synergy and support for our activities, I have embarked on familiarisation visits to traditional institutions and sister security agencies across the zone. These visits aim to deepen collaboration in our collective effort to combat trans-border crimes and enhance national security.

“The milestones we’ve recorded are a testament to the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy and ensuring national security.”
(TRIBUNE)

Metro

Court Jails Football Coach For Sodomising Minor Player

Published

2 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

A Kano State High Court has sentenced a football coach, Hayatu Muhammad, to eight years in prison for sodomising one of his underage players.

The presiding judge, Justice Musa Dahuru Muhammad, delivered the judgment on Wednesday, sentencing Hayatu without the option of a fine.

According to the prosecution, the coach, who lives in Sanka area of Kano metropolis, committed the offence twice in different locations. He initially pleaded not guilty to the charges.

To prove the case beyond reasonable doubt, the state counsel, Barrister Ibrahim Arif Garba, presented five witnesses who testified against the defendant.

In his defense, Hayatu took the witness stand alone.

The prosecution stated that his action violated Section 284 of the Penal Code Law, which criminalises sodomy.

After reviewing all the evidence and witness statements, Justice Dahuru ruled that the prosecution had successfully proved the case.

He sentenced Hayatu to four years in prison on each of the two counts, to run concurrently — meaning he will serve a total of eight years starting from the day of the judgment.

Metro

Lagos Fire Service Rescues Woman From 60-foot Well In Ikorodu

Published

3 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has saved a 32-year-old woman who accidentally fell into an uncovered well approximately 60 feet deep at No. 14 Mustapha Bolatiwa Street, off Agric Bus Stop, in the Ikorodu area of the state.

The incident, which drew a large crowd of onlookers, was described by residents as “nothing short of a miracle.”

Eyewitnesses said the woman, whose identity had not been immediately confirmed, reportedly wandered from a nearby compound and was seated on the edge of the well before losing balance and falling in.

Following a distress call, operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived swiftly and launched a well-coordinated rescue operation.

Confirming the incident, the Director of the agency, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, said the woman was pulled out alive after a tense and delicate rescue effort.

“She was immediately stabilised and transported to a nearby hospital for further medical care,” Adeseye said.

She cautioned residents to ensure all open wells and similar structures are securely covered to prevent avoidable accidents.

Adeseye also praised the professionalism and prompt response of her team, reaffirming the agency’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across Lagos State.

Metro

DSS Arrests Two Dismissed Officers Over Impersonation, Fraud

Published

3 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services, DSS, has arrested two dismissed officers, Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, accused of impersonating the Service to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

The DSS, in a statement issued on Wednesday, confirmed that both individuals, earlier declared wanted in separate public warnings, have been arrested and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“The Department of State Services recently issued disclaimers on two dismissed personnel of the Service, Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin. These individuals were alleged to be cloaking under the Service to engage in fraudulent activities.

“The public is hereby notified that these culprits have been apprehended and will face prosecution in accordance with the law,” the Service said.

This comes after a series of alerts by the DSS warning Nigerians against dealing with the former officers dismissed for misconduct but still parading themselves as active operatives.

Recall that the secret police had raised the alarm over the activities of Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, accusing him of using the DSS name to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

In the same vein, on October 8, a separate statement was issued concerning Barry Donald, another dismissed officer alleged to be impersonating the agency for fraudulent purposes.

The DSS said it remains committed to protecting Nigerians from impostors and maintaining public trust in the Service. It also revealed plans to publish the names of other previously dismissed personnel to prevent citizens from falling victim to similar schemes.

The DSS urged members of the public to verify all official engagements through its verified communication channels and to report any suspicious activities involving persons claiming to represent the Service.