The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced on Monday the arrest of a Nigerian importer, Boniface Ike, for attempting to bribe officers of the Tin-Can Island Command with $54,330 (equivalent to N50 million).
The bribe was offered in connection with the seizure of two 40ft containers filled with illicit and dangerous drugs imported from India. The containers, intercepted at Lagos Port, were initially declared as electrical appliances, but were found to contain unregistered pharmaceutical products worth N550 million.
The Customs Area Controller of Tin-Can Island Port, Compt. Adekunle Oloyede, revealed the details during a press briefing in Lagos. The seized products lacked the necessary permits and certificates for importation, raising concerns about their safety for consumption by Nigerians. The importer had concealed the illicit drugs as electrical goods.
The containers, labeled MRSU 592397/0 and MRKU 553432/1, were subjected to a 100% physical examination and investigation by enforcement officers, customs intelligence operatives, customs police, and terminal examination officers. The examination revealed that the containers held cartons of Timaking 120 Tapentadol (Tramadol) Hydrochloride Carisoprodol capsules and Super Royal 225 (Tramadol), instead of the declared items.
Two suspects, including the importer Boniface Ike, were arrested and are currently in the custody of the Enforcement Unit. During their investigation, Ike attempted to privately negotiate his release with customs officials while offering a bribe of N50 million. Customs officers allowed the conversation to unfold, but promptly seized the offered money, which is equivalent to $54,330.
Compt. Oloyede emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to curbing smuggling activities, blocking revenue leakage, and ensuring the safety of Nigerian citizens. The suspects, containers, and seized exhibits will be handed over to the relevant agencies responsible for the regulation of such importations. The Service may also consider prosecuting the suspects under the Nigeria Customs Service Act (2023).
