In a bold display of integrity, officers at the Tincan Command of the Nigeria Customs Service have turned down an offer of N50 million bribe from a suspect involved in the importation of two containers of banned drugs. The suspect, identified as Mr. Boniface Ike, attempted to bribe the officers in a bid to escape legal consequences.
Addressing journalists on Monday, Comptroller Adekunle Oloyede, the Area Controller of the command, revealed that he had instructed the officers to go along with the suspect when he requested a private discussion with the OC Enforcement, Deputy Controller G I Aliyu, and Team Leader of the Customs Intelligence Unit, Assistant Comptroller H. Abubakar.
Comptroller Oloyede emphasized that the intercepted unregistered pharmaceutical products are regulated by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). These products did not possess the required importation permits and certificates, which serve to ensure the safety of Nigerians. Consequently, the importers resorted to concealment.
Upon conducting physical examinations of the two containers on Tuesday, 22nd August 2023, the enforcement officers, customs intelligence operatives, customs police, and examination officers of the terminal discovered the true contents. The first container, which was declared in the Bill of Lading to contain electrical goods such as ceiling fans and chilly cutters, was found to actually house illicit drugs. These included Timaking, Tapentadil, and Gastro Resistant Omeprazole capsule BP 200mg.
The second container, falsely declared as containing electrical goods, was discovered to hold Super Royal 225 (Tramadol), Omeprazole Capsule BP 200mg, Barcadin with Codeine, Manual Grater Machine, and Compo Ceiling Fan.
In addition to these findings, the Tincan Command, in the course of a routine examination, uncovered a container falsely declared as carrying tangerines. However, it actually contained forbidden frozen poultry products. This contravention of Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Acts 2023 led to the seizure of the container.
Comptroller Oloyede expressed the determination of the Nigeria Customs Service to combat smuggling activities and ensure the safety of the country and its citizens. He stated, “The persistent fraudulent nature of importers and agents drives us to be more innovative in putting methods and measures to combat smuggling activities, ensure no leakage of revenue to the government, and the safety of Nigeria. The Nigeria Customs Service will not be a part of nefarious acts that jeopardize the safety of lives in our dear country. Any fraudulent importer or agent who tries to perpetrate such acts will be prosecuted accordingly.”
This principled stance by the customs officers in rejecting the N50 million bribe is a testament to their commitment to upholding the law and protecting the citizens of Nigeria. It serves as a reminder that there are dedicated individuals working to safeguard the country’s welfare even in the face of corruption.
