By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Nigeria Customs Service has handed over one of its officers to the Customs Police Unit after a viral video showed the officer allegedly demanding a N200,000 bribe from a motorist along the Lagos-Benin Expressway. The incident surfaced on Friday after the motorist secretly recorded the encounter using AI Meta glasses. Customs authorities said the officer would face further investigation and disciplinary action over the alleged misconduct.
Viral Video Triggers Immediate Action
A video shared on the official X handle of the Nigeria Customs Service captured the moment the officer was paraded before being transferred to the Customs Police Unit.
According to the service, the officer’s conduct violated professional and ethical standards expected from personnel.
The video reportedly showed the officer questioning the motorist over vehicle documents and previous clearances. He also claimed the driver owed outstanding vehicle document payments dating back to 2018.
During the conversation, the motorist explained that similar issues were usually resolved in Apapa by other officers.
However, the officer allegedly insisted that the driver report to the office before retrieving his vehicle key.
Officer Allegedly Demanded N200,000
When the motorist asked how the issue could be settled, the officer allegedly replied, “Go and bring 200,” suggesting a demand for N200,000.
The motorist immediately responded, “I kill somebody?” before walking away from the scene.
It remains unclear whether the driver eventually paid any money before officials released the vehicle.
Customs Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Policy
Speaking during the parade, Controller of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Hussaini Abdullahi, said the service would not tolerate misconduct.
“Officers found culpable of violating ethical standards will face appropriate sanctions without compromise,” Abdullahi stated.
He added that the disciplinary process began immediately after the video circulated online.
Meanwhile, the service formally handed the implicated officer to the Head of the Customs Police Unit in Zone A for further investigation.
The statement also stressed that the agency remains committed to accountability and professionalism.
Public Complaints Over Highway Operations Persist
The latest incident has renewed concerns over alleged extortion and harassment during Customs highway operations.
Many motorists and traders have repeatedly complained about checkpoints involving already-cleared goods.
Despite previous reforms, stakeholders continue to demand stricter monitoring of officers operating on major highways.
