By Ambrose Obioma Okehi (News Emperor)
For those who are yet to be aware of the magic and strategies behind the numerous seizures by officers and men of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja strategies Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’ led by the no-nonses Deputy Comptroller Kehinde Ejibunu, it is just because of his proactiveness, pragmatic and non-compromising nature and ways of handling things his operational activities.
The die-hard and anti-smuggling czar has left no stone unturned ever since he came to FOU as far as the issue of anti-smuggling activities are concerned and equally due to his stern stand on such issues. His body language, only it’s own has always send the message to the smugglers, who always trade with caution, knowing fully well that FOU Zone A is always a-no-go area for their nefarious businesses.
It was based on the above outlined strategies that the Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is making waves and just recently, it arrested a two-man syndicate who specializes in forging Customs clearing documents.
The acting Controller of the Unit, DC Hussein Ejibunu disclosed during a press conference that as at the time of arrest, the syndicate were set to bring in more than 600 vehicles into Nigeria from Benin Republic.
The CAC, Deputy Comptroller Ejibunu further explained that the syndicate was arrested while in possession of fake Customs valuation stamp, fake Customs Duty Chart Book on vehicles amongst other documents.
According Ejibunu, 18 suspects were arrested in connection with some of these offences in February 2023, and are at different stages of Investigation and prosecution.
“Sequel to the arrest of one suspect (Shuaibu Kolo) with a 2007 Mercedes Benz along Ajilete-ldiroko Road of Ogun State, whose arrest and in depth investigation led to the unravelling of over 600 pictures of vehicles domiciled in Benin Republic, awaiting to undergo forged clearing process by the same criminal syndicate before being moved in Nigeria” Ejibunu said.
Still speaking to newsmen on the issue, Ejibunu continued: “items recovered from the suspects in the course of arrest and investigation are: Fake Customs valuation stamp; Fake Customs Duty Chart Book on vehicles; Fake Customs documents and vehicle registration documents; Four computer monitors; Three computer processing units; One keyboard and One printer”.
He lamented that in the service’s resolve to safeguard the national economy and prevent revenue loss, officers of the unit who were on legitimate duties were ambushed and attacked by suspected smugglers and their sympathizers; using guns, machetes, charms and other dangerous items.
“The most recent incident of these kinds of assaults on officers is the one arrested using charms to attack personnel at Owoyele Igbogila road of Ogun State.
“Also, in our quest to prevent revenue loss through under-valuation, underpayments, and wrong classification, the sum of N103,604,297.32 was collected following the issuance of demand notices to defaulters”, Ejibunu said.