Author: Muhammad Bashir.

A Federal High Court sitting in the Central Business District of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has conducted a hearing of one Ibrahim Shu’aibu, a 50-year-old man, for assuming the character of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, among other distinguished personalities in Nigeria, to commit fraudulent activities.

The Nigeria Customs Service had, on Monday, 29 January 2024, addressed the media about the suspect’s apprehension by the Service’s Police Unit following his involvement in fraudulent activities, which included luring numerous citizens to pay him money for the issuance of job appointment letters.

During the court hearing, the lead Counsel of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abidemi Adewumi-Aluko, said the accused was arraigned on a nine-count charge to which the defendant pleaded not guilty.

Justice Binta Nyako, the presiding judge, adjourned the hearing to Wednesday, 3 July 2024, and ordered that the accused be remanded with the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the fulfilment of bail requirements.

Author: Cynthia Idowu.

The Nigeria Customs Service is not only known for its doggedness in fighting smuggling and generating revenue for the federal government, the service has demonstrated a high level of professionalism in sport at the ongoing 37th Women’s African Volleyball Club in Cairo, Egypt.

The Customs Volleyball Women’s Team defeated its opponent, Saint Denis Olympique, by 3 – 0 to imprint its first win at the ongoing championship on Saturday, 27th of April, 2024.

The team who came out strong displayed the anti-smuggling doggedness with a lead in the first set of the game with a 25 – 21 score, sending shivers down the opponent’s spine.

Coach Pricillia Agera led the team, who displayed good skill and dominance with a nail-biting scoreline of 29-27 to clinge victory and secure a place in the annals of volleyball history.

Coach Priscilla Agera hailed the players for their unwavering commitment and tenacity, recognising the challenges they had overcome to achieve victory on the court.

In her words, “Despite the obstacles we’ve faced, you’ve shown the world what it truly means to be a team. Your resilience, your determination, it’s what sets you apart.”

Agera also commended the unwavering support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his steadfast commitment to ensuring the team’s participation in the championship and his instrumentality to their success, providing them with the resources and support they needed to compete at the highest level.

She said, “I appreciate CGC for taking a bold step to allow the team to fly the flag of the nation in this championship.

“I also want to give kudos to the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod, for his approval in ensuring the team returns, not forgetting the President of Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engineer Habu Gumel, for his relentless support for volleyball”.

Nigeria Customs Service will face Mayo Kane Evolution on Sunday in their third match after losing to Kenya Pipeline in their first game on Friday.

Recall that the basketball team of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) secured a spot among the top three teams at the recently concluded tournament held at the Indoor Hall of the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abuja.

By Lucy Nyambi

In a heartwarming gesture, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reached out to the family of Susan Odulaja, one of the victims of the tragic stampede that occurred during the sale of 25kg bags of rice in Lagos on February 23, 2024.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, sent a delegation led by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs/Zonal Coordinator Zone “A,” Hammi Swomen, to visit the family in Jibowu, Lagos State, on Friday, April 26, 2024.

During the visit, the Zonal Coordinator expressed the NCS’s deepest condolences to the family, stating, “We remember the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of four precious lives during the disposal of 25kg bags of rice at a reduced price of N10,000. We are here to support this family and demonstrate our commitment to their well-being.”

This visit marks the second time the NCS has reached out to the family, demonstrating the service’s commitment to showing compassion and empathy to those affected by the tragedy.

“We are here on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs to support this family. This is our second visit, but it is to demonstrate our continued support to the family.” He explained.

Commiserating with the widower, Michael Odulaja, ACG Swomen, pledged the NCS’ commitment to work with the family and support them continuously.”The service is mindful of the effects of this loss, and we have pledged to work with this family and support them continuously. “When you are grieving and have people around you, it reduces the trauma. Right now, we are going to report to the CGC, and the service is considering, in concrete terms, what to do going forward,” he stated.

In response, Odulaja appreciated the service representatives for their visit and support. He said, “I thank God and the Nigeria Customs Service for their support. Any support that they give us, I will ensure that I use it wisely and invest it in the children.”

It will be recalled that the Service issued a press statement after the unfortunate incident on the 26 of February 2024, promising to follow up with the families of the stampede victims.

According to the statement, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this challenging time, and we assure them of our unwavering support. We are working with the hospital officials to establish contact and engage directly with the victims’ families on the next step.”