Investigative journalist Fikayo Soyombo, Nigeria Customs Boss And Us

Fikayo Soyombo, founding father of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), took on the Nigeria Customs Service, decided to show the hidden truths and blurred traces throughout the establishment. Regardless of being threatened with hefty lawsuits, Soyombo stood agency, armed with secret recordings of audio, video, and pictures.

When the primary lawsuit letter arrived, his attorneys swiftly responded inside three hours, requesting a court docket assembly with Ibrahim Dende and his crew. Nonetheless, in a surprising flip of occasions, Dende withdrew the case, Swimsuit Quantity CV/2286/2024, in opposition to Soyombo. This sudden withdrawal implies that the allegations made by Soyombo have been factual, leaving many Nigerians surprised.

Essentially the most alarming revelation, nevertheless, is that Dende, an alleged smuggler, claimed to have had a hand within the appointment of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, the Comptroller Normal of Customs. This raises critical issues about corruption and collusion throughout the customs service.

It’s value noting that Soyombo, a famend investigative journalist, has a historical past of taking up robust instances. He’s identified for his fearless strategy, having gone undercover to show corruption in Nigeria’s justice system

Nigeria’s Customs boss, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has discovered himself on the heart of a corruption scandal. Investigative journalist Fikayo Soyombo alleges that Adeniyi’s appointment as Comptroller-Normal of Customs was facilitated by none aside from IBD Dende, a infamous smuggler with a popularity for trafficking rice, turkey, arms, and ammunition. Dende can be mentioned to be the chief of the ‘Inumidun (Smuggling) Squad’.

This revelation is unsettling, to say the least. The concept that a smuggler may have influenced the appointment of the Customs boss is akin to a theft gang chief having a say in who turns into the Inspector General of Police. It’s a disturbing battle of curiosity that undermines the integrity of the Customs Service.

Apparently, Adeniyi has been actively working to fight corruption throughout the Service. He just lately met with the Chairman of the Impartial Corrupt Practices and Different Associated Offences Fee (ICPC) to debate methods for mitigating corruption. Nonetheless, these efforts could also be overshadowed by the allegations surrounding his appointment.

The state of affairs highlights the necessity for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s establishments. Because the nation continues to grapple with corruption, it’s important to make sure that these in positions of energy are free from undue affect and are working in the most effective pursuits of the nation.

Southwestern Nigeria’s most infamous smuggler wasn’t simply invited to the Customs Officers Wives Affiliation’s ‘relaunch’ occasion in Abuja – they have been a serious donor! This isn’t a nasty dream, it truly occurred within the Nigeria Customs. It’s a stark reminder of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the place the traces between proper and unsuitable are hopelessly blurred. Underneath the present Comptroller-Normal’s management, it appears actuality has turn into a real-life Animal Farm

A viral video by investigative journalist, Fikayo Soyombo surfaced someday final 12 months, allegedly displaying infamous smuggler Dende mentioning Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the present Comptroller-Normal of Customs (CGC), whereas accusing customs officers of permitting his trailers carrying smuggled rice into Nigeria. Within the video, Dende is seen threatening to kill a customs officer for stopping his smuggled rice and is heard ordering somebody to “Name Wale, name Wale” – with ‘Wale’ referring to Adeniyi, a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR). This surprising revelation raises critical issues about corruption and collusion throughout the customs service.
The Nigerian Customs Service has responded to allegations surrounding Comptroller Normal of Customs, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), stating that the altercation in query stemmed from the seizure of allegedly smuggled items. Nonetheless, many Nigerians stay skeptical, as there was no replace on the investigation into claims that Adeniyi’s personal trailers of rice have been allowed into the nation whereas these of Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun have been refused.

The Customs spokesperson acknowledged the severity of the allegations in opposition to Adeniyi however failed to supply any data on the prosecution of Dende or the result of the investigation. Apparently, it has come to mild that Dende and Adeniyi have a long-standing friendship that predates Adeniyi’s appointment as Comptroller Normal of Customs.

This raises questions on potential conflicts of curiosity and the integrity of the customs service beneath Adeniyi’s management. Because the Comptroller Normal of Customs, Adeniyi has been instrumental in selling knowledge analytics and innovation throughout the service. Nonetheless, the dearth of transparency surrounding this allegation threatens to undermine his efforts and erode public belief within the establishment.

Because the withdrawal of the suite in opposition to Fikayo Soyombo, Nigerians have been ready to listen to from related Nigerian authorities however the ready could also be countless.

Akinwale, a public affairs commentator, writes from Abeokuta