In a shocking incident at the Tincan Island Port Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), a suspect named Mr Boniface Ike has been arrested for allegedly offering a bribe of N50 million to a customs officer in exchange for the release of his seized container. The container in question was suspected of carrying contraband goods imported from India.
Comptroller Adekunle Oloyede, the Area Controller of the command, revealed these details during a press conference held in Lagos on Monday. He reported that the suspect, along with one of his accomplices, is currently being detained at the command’s Enforcement Unit for further investigation.
Oloyede stated that the suspect, who had confessed to being the importer of the seized containers valued at N550.3 million, had requested a private discussion with one of the officers. The Area Controller instructed his officers to play along, hoping to obtain crucial information from the suspect. However, to their surprise, the suspect pleaded for his release from detention and the subsequent release of the seized containers.
“He offered a gratification of N50 million, as displayed, which is equivalent to $54,330 at the current exchange rate of N920. The money was collected and securely stored at the enforcement unit as evidence,” Oloyede narrated.
The command received timely intelligence from its Customs Intelligence Unit, which led to the seizure of the contraband goods. The products were concealed in two 40-foot containers with bills of lading numbers 227578945 and 227898171.
“Upon the vessel’s arrival at the Tincan Island Container Terminal (TICT), the containers (MRSU 592397/0 and MRKU 553432/1) were immediately transferred to the enforcement station for a 100% physical examination and further investigation,” Oloyede confirmed.
Enforcement officers, Customs Intelligence Operatives, Customs Police, and terminal examination officers conducted thorough physical examinations of both containers on August 22 and 23, respectively.
It was discovered during the examination that the contents of container MRSU 592397/0 contradicted the bill of lading, which stated that it contained electricals, ceiling fans, 36 jewels (Cooper), and chilly cutters (stainless steel plastic).
“Upon examination, the container was found to contain five cartons of Timaking 120 tapentadol (Tramadol) hydrochloride carisoprodol capsules. Each carton contains 50 rolls; each roll contains five packets, and each packet contains 200 tablets,” Oloyede disclosed.
The contents of the second container, numbered MRKU 553432/1, included 10 cartons of Super Royal 225mg (Tramadol) as well as other items.
“Each carton contains 50 rolls; each roll contains 10 packets; each packet contains 10 tablets. Other contents include 105 cartons of Omeprazole Capsule BP 200mg; each carton contains 50 packets, each packet containing 10 capsules; 754 cartons of Barcadin with Codeine 100ml, with each carton containing 200 bottles; 50 cartons of manual grater machines, with 70 pieces per carton; and one carton of compo ceiling fan,” Oloyede added.
The seized pharmaceutical products are unregistered and regulated by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The importer failed to provide the required permits, certificates, or documents to ensure the safety of the products for Nigerian consumers.
Oloyede stated that the suspects, along with the containers and the seized goods, will be handed over to the relevant agencies responsible for regulating and prosecuting offenders of such crimes.
In another incident, on August 24, the command intercepted a container falsely declared to be carrying tangerines. However, upon intensive surveillance and examination at TICT, it was discovered that the container actually contained frozen poultry products. As the importation of frozen poultry is prohibited, the container was seized in violation of Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (2023).
Oloyede assured that the Customs will utilize all necessary resources and collaborate with other security and regulatory agencies to combat the illegal importation of illicit and unregulated dangerous drugs and substances.
