Customs Ondo/Ekiti Command Refutes Extortion Claims, Pledges Transparency Under New Leadership

Customs Ondo/Ekiti Command Refutes Extortion Claims, Pledges Transparency Under New Leadership

By Frank Odinukaeze

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ondo/Ekiti Area Command, has denied allegations of extortion making the rounds in a viral video purportedly involving auto dealers in the Southwest region.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Aondoakura Dzungwenen, the Service said preliminary findings showed that the auto dealers were not intercepted by Customs officers as claimed. According to the Command, the dealers, who were headed to Ekiti State for a regional meeting, voluntarily stopped interacting with officers performing their lawful duties.
The Command clarified that the alleged payment of one million naira was not an act of extortion but rather the settlement of an underpayment assessment, which was duly remitted into the Federal Government’s coffers in line with statutory procedures.
“In the spirit of transparency and accountability, the Command has since met with representatives of the Auto Dealers Association to address the matter. During the engagement, assurances were given that measures are being put in place to streamline operational procedures and prevent any recurrence of incidents that could be misconstrued as unprofessional conduct. On their part, members of the Association have tendered an apology to the Service,” the statement read in part.
The Command also announced the assumption of duty of a new Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Queen Obaze, who brings what is described as a wealth of experience and a proven track record of integrity. She is expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in line with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
As part of reforms, Obaze has approved additional training for officers on operational engagement, enforcement procedures, reputation management, and stakeholder relations to strengthen professionalism and consolidate public trust.
The Service further urged stakeholders to channel complaints through official platforms rather than resort to unverified public claims. It reassured that the NCS remains committed to fairness, transparency, and respect for the rule of law.