The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has condemned a female officer caught in a viral video demanding a bribe from a passenger at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The unidentified officer was seen in the less than two-minute clip requesting the sum of N5,000 while clutching the trolley containing the passenger’s luggage.

 The unidentified officer was seen in the less than two-minute clip requesting a sum of N5,000 while clutching the trolley containing the passenger’s luggage. After the passenger was heard saying he could not afford the N5,000 sum, the officer reduced the sum to N3,000.

Again, the passenger said he could not afford to pay the sum of N3,000. When asked how much he could afford, the passenger said he could part with N1,000, a situation that provoked the Customs officer.

Reacting to the incident in a statement, the NCS spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, described the incident as “unprofessional conduct”, saying the officer’s action was “inconsistent” with the values of the agency.

Maiwada stated that a “comprehensive investigation” has commenced to ascertain what transpired during the incident. He also didn’t reveal if the Customs officer will be suspended during the probe.

“We wish to confirm that the Officer implicated is indeed a member of the Nigeria Customs Service, properly assigned to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Area Command,” the statement reads.

“We encourage passengers and the public to report any instances of misconduct or corruption promptly.
These reports are crucial in upholding the integrity of our service and ensuring that officers adhere to the highest ethical standards.

“The NCS is unwavering in its commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. The outcome of the investigation will be communicated to the public at the earliest opportunity.”

PRESS STATEMENT

RE: INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED MISCONDUCT BY A CUSTOMS OFFICER IN VIRAL VIDEO

1. The Nigeria Customs Service is diligently investigating an incident at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, where an officer was observed soliciting ₦5000 bribe from a passenger. This behavior has rightfully raised public concern, and we are committed to ensuring full accountability.

2. Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident transpired at New Terminal, within the departure hall of Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos, and was captured on video by the involved passenger. The recording reveals an inappropriate request for ₦5000 in exchange for expeditious processing of customs procedures.

3. We wish to confirm that the Officer implicated is indeed a member of the Nigeria Customs Service, properly assigned to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Area Command.

4. The NCS strongly condemns this unprofessional conduct and is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism. A comprehensive investigation is underway to scrutinize the incident thoroughly, and appropriate actions will be taken.

5. Such behavior is entirely inconsistent with the core values of our service, and we are resolute in maintaining a transparent and accountable customs operation.

6. We encourage passengers and the public to report any instances of misconduct or corruption promptly. These reports are crucial in upholding the integrity of our service and ensuring that officers adhere to the highest ethical standards. The NCS is unwavering in its commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. The outcome of the investigation will be communicated to the public at the earliest opportunity.

ABDULLAHI MAIWADA
Chief Superintendent of Customs
National Public Relations Officer
For:Comptroller General of Customs
12 December 2023

omoredia:
When your leader is a big thief the followers are usually smaller theives themsevles!

Edoreborn:
I really feel for her

omoredia:
When your leader is a big thief the followers are usually smaller theives themsevles!