Customs Officials Accused Of Selectively Targeting Smugglers In Bribery Scheme

Customs Officials Accused Of Selectively Targeting Smugglers In Bribery Scheme....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During a recent interview on the Channels Television program ‘Hard Copy’, Fisayo Soyombo, the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), leveled serious accusations against customs officials in Nigeria. According to Soyombo, customs officials are selectively intercepting and publicizing the names of smugglers who either refuse to bribe them or manage to outsmart their schemes.

Soyombo disclosed that his allegations were based on firsthand experiences during an undercover operation in 2022. In an attempt to expose the corruption within the customs system, he posed as a smuggler, bringing bags of rice from Benin Republic. He revealed that customs officials targeted only those smugglers who did not pay bribes or attempted to circumvent their illicit practices.

Recounting his experience, Soyombo explained, “I went into Benin Republic in November 2022, got some bags of rice, and brought them to a place called Oja Odan. From Oja Odan, I was supposed to move them to Ilaro, but we had to bribe customs.” He emphasized that the information he gathered was not hearsay but a result of his immersive investigative approach.

Soyombo highlighted the systemic issue, stating that news reports of customs intercepting goods, such as bags of rice or chicken, often involved individuals who did not bribe the officials. He asserted, “Anyone can bring in anything into Nigeria if you pay the right people.” The investigative journalist claimed that items ranging from food products like rice and chicken to more serious concerns like arms, ammunition, tramadol, and even motorcycles used by terrorists in the north were brought in successfully through bribery.

This revelation raises concerns about the integrity of the customs system in Nigeria and calls for a thorough investigation into the alleged corrupt practices within the agency.

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