A yet-to-be-identified customs officer was arrested today for extorting the sum of N500,000 from a car buyer named Muhammad Dahiru Ahmad along Mokwa-Jebba Road in Niger State.
The officer, who was arrested by the Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, Comptroller Dalha Wada Chedi, was handed over to the Assistant Provost Marshal (APM) Customs Police Unit in Kaduna for disciplinary action.
Chedi, while addressing newsmen on Monday, confirmed that the arrested officer involved in the unwholesome act is an operative of the unit deployed to Mokwa Patrol Team in Niger State.
“Upon hearing the alleged unfortunate incident, I directed the Customs Police Unit in the Zone that is responsible for enforcing discipline in the service to apprehend the officer and move him to the unit’s headquarters here in Kaduna for further interrogation. Also, the complainant was invited to assist in the investigation as well.
“The Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team frowned at such unruly behavior as such the disciplinary committee will be diligent and firm.
“In fact the service is very pragmatic and practical in disciplinary cases and this one will not be an exception.
“This unprofessional and ungodly act will not be condoned. A thorough investigation has just commenced by this handing over to unravel the facts surrounding the allegation and the outcome shall be made public to serve as a deterrent to others.
“We are deeply concerned and we assure the general public that the matter will be treated with the deserved vigour, decisiveness and transparency.
“In addition, the unit will continue to update the general public as the investigation progresses while appreciating the understanding and usual support of the public”. Chedi said.
He said the findings of the investigation will be transmitted to the Customs headquarters in Abuja for further action.