Customs probes alleged extortion by officers in Kano

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kano-Jigawa Command has launched an investigation into allegations of extortion involving its officials and businessmen at the Abubakar Rimi Market, also known as Sabon Gari.

Businessmen in the market raised complaints that Customs officials were extorting large sums of money from them, amounting to millions of Naira.

Nazifi Auwalu, the Public Relations Officer of the Sabon Gari Shop Owners and Online Marketers Association described how this extortion has created significant difficulties for traders.

“We are now in a dilemma transporting goods into Kano State. Customs officials are following us everywhere, arresting goods within the state, even though we do not share any borders. Most of the goods we sell are sourced domestically, particularly from Lagos,” Auwalu said.

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He cited a recent case where a vehicle carrying perfume was seized by Customs officials who accused them of transporting contraband. Despite thorough searches revealing no illegal goods, the officials demanded N1 million to release the vehicle.

Another businessman, Nura Abdullahi, shared a similar ordeal where he was extorted N2 million after his vehicle was seized at the Kano-Kaduna toll gate while en route from Lagos.

Despite assurances that the goods were legal, officials refused to release the vehicle until the payment was made.

In response, Nura Abdullahi, the Public Relations Officer for the Kano-Jigawa Customs Command, confirmed that an investigation has been launched.

He assured that any officials found guilty of extortion would be held accountable, and affected businessmen would be compensated.

“The investigation is already underway, and arrests of officials involved have begun. We appreciate the traders for bringing this issue to light and will ensure justice is served,” he stated.