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Caught On Camera: Soldiers, Customs Officers Torture Residents Over Video Recording

Published

1 day ago

Dec 3, 2024.

Two transporters, Taofeek Olatunbosun and Rafiu Abdelmalik, were allegedly brutalized by Nigerian Customs Service officers and soldiers at a checkpoint on the Badagry-Seme Expressway over the weekend for making a video.

The duo, suspected by the officers of supplying journalists with information about smuggling activities, claimed they were tortured after being accused of espionage. The victims said they were merely updating a customer on their location when the incident occurred.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Olatunbosun explained, “While at a fuel station en route to Apa, I asked my assistant to make a video for our customer. A man approached, attempting to seize his phone, which attracted security operatives.

They accused us of exposing smuggling activities and detained us near the checkpoint. Despite recognizing me, their leader, Adamu Zakari, threatened to kill my brother and questioned why we hadn’t already been killed and dumped in the water. Then, the beating began.”

Abdelmalik shared his ordeal: “I was following my boss’s instructions when a smuggler slapped me and dragged us to the officers. They tortured us and demanded the identity of journalists we supposedly worked for. Residents alerted the police, who rescued us before things escalated further.”

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The Nigerian Customs Service responded swiftly, with Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Hossein condemning the officers’ actions. “The implicated officers will be withdrawn from the checkpoint immediately. This behavior does not align with our values, and we take full responsibility,” he stated.

Customs Area Comptroller Kayode Kolade confirmed the officers’ withdrawal and announced the establishment of an investigative panel. “The findings will be made public. We deeply empathize with the victims and strongly condemn such unethical behavior,” Kolade said, emphasizing the service’s commitment to maintaining ethical standards and fostering safe trade environments.

While addressing military involvement, Hossein stated, “Military personnel are attached to certain patrols due to volatility. If involved, they will also be held accountable.”

Residents have been urged to continue lawful activities, while Customs pledged transparency and stricter enforcement of professional standards.