Customs launch investigation into alleged extortion by officials

The Kano-Jigawa command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has launched an investigation into an alleged extortion involving businessmen at Abubakar Rimi market popularly known as Sabon Gari.

The investigation followed a complaint by the businessmen alleging extortion by some officials of the command.

According to the Public Relations Officer of Sabon Gari Shop owners and online marketers Association, Nazifi Auwalu, business has been made difficult for their people as the level of extortion has instilled fear among them.

“We are facing a difficult situation because we are now in a dilemma of transporting goods from elsewhere into Kano State. We are now like rat and the cat between us and customs officials. They follow us into nook and crannies of the state arresting goods. We did not share any border whether land or sea and what we are selling are mostly bought in the country, Lagos in particular.

“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.”

Also narrating his ordeal, another businessman, Nura Abdullahi, said he was extorted to the tune of N3 million of which after a bargain paid N2 million at Kaduna customs office.

“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.”

But reacting to the issue, the Public Relations Officer, Kano-Jigawa command, Customs, Nura Abdullahi said the command has launched an investigation into the matter and all involved will be brought to book.

“The office is on the matter currently investigating who and who are involved. The team sent to investigate have already begun arrest of officials found wanting on the issue.”

“I want to thank the businessmen for raising the alarm and anyone that was cheated will be duly compensated,” he said.