Customs detains officer who shot at Ogun businessman’s car, launches probe

The Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit Zone A has announced that one of its officers has been detained for shooting at the vehicle of an Ogun State-based businessman, Babatunde Adeyemo.

The NCS also revealed that an investigation has been launched into the incident, which occurred on December 8, 2024, at a checkpoint on the Orile Ibara Expressway. The officer in question fired at the moving vehicle while Adeyemo and three aides were inside.

Adeyemo, the CEO of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, claimed that he would have been shot had it not been for the laptop placed directly behind him, which took the impact of the bullet.

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According to a statement issued by the NCS’s Public Relations Officer, Theophilus Duniya, the FOU Zone A Comptroller, Kola Oladeji, has set up a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter. The officer involved is currently in detention and awaiting further disciplinary action.

“Comptroller Kola Oladeji has swiftly taken action, launching a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter. The personnel involved has been identified and is currently in detention, awaiting further disciplinary sanctions.

In line with the service’s commitment to professionalism and discipline, Comptroller Oladeji has also ordered the immediate replacement of the damaged laptop and the repair of the vehicle. This prompt response demonstrates the service’s dedication to making amends and ensuring that such incidents are thoroughly addressed,” the brief statement read.

The NCS’s actions followed the receipt of a letter from Adeyemo’s legal counsel, CJP Ogugbara & Co., demanding an investigation, justice, and N50 million in compensation for data loss after the laptop, which contained crucial data related to local and diaspora investments worth billions of naira, was hit by the bullet.

In the letter, signed by Pascal Ogugbara and dated December 16, 2024, which was obtained by Saturday Tribune, Adeyemo is also seeking the prosecution of the officer for attempted murder and a replacement for his damaged Mercedes Benz.

Adeyemo’s legal counsel is demanding the immediate replacement of the vehicle either in cash, based on its current market value, or with an equivalent substitute, clarifying that they are not seeking repairs. Additionally, they are requesting N50 million in compensation for the loss of data and the destruction of the laptop.

This is to address the hardship caused by the data loss. They are also seeking an apology letter to be published in two national dailies and the initiation of an investigation into the officer’s actions, with potential prosecution for attempted murder if warranted.