The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has swiftly reacted to the alleged reckless use of guns and ammunition by officers of the service against civilians by a prominent real estate developer, Dr. Babatunde Adeyemo, saying that the agency is committed to professionalism and discipline.
Recall that the realtor, Dr Babatunde Adeyemo, on Thursday narrated how he narrowly escaped being shot dead by the Customs officers in Ogun State, while returning from a public function in Ibara-Orile area, within the State.
Adeyemo further explained that, barely few seconds his vehicle passed through the Customs checkpoint, his vehicle was shot at by one of the Customs men and the bullet pierced through the back of his vehicle and damaged his laptop.
He, therefore, urged the federal government to urgently initiate measures to checkmate the excesses of operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service on the highways.
While reacting to the shooting incident against the realtor, the Spokesperson of the Customs Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, CSC Theophilus Duniya said the command frowned at incidents of misconduct and has launched a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter.
According to him, the officer involved in the shooting incident has been identified and currently in detention.
Duniya, also noted that, in line with Customs’ commitment to professionalism and discipline, Comptroller Kola Oladeji of Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja has also ordered immediate replacement of the damaged laptop and repair of the damaged vehicle.
He stressed that the prompt response of the service demonstrates Customs’ dedication to making amends and ensuring that such incidents are thoroughly addressed.
Meanwhile, the legal counsel to Dr. Babatunde Adeyemo, Barrister Ogugbara has petitioned the Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos State.
Ogugbara, in a petition dated December 16, 2024 and submitted through an email to the agency requested that, as a show of remorse, the Nigeria Customs Service should replace the damaged Mercedes Benz G.L450 either in cash or in a befitting substitute.
The counsel equally requested payment of N50 million naira as compensation for the loss of data and rebuilding of data on the damaged computer.
He warned that if his client’s demands were not met, he shall not hesitate to initiate legal action against the Nigeria Customs Service.
