The Nigeria Customs Service has reacted to the viral airport extortion video involving one of its officers demanding a N5000 bribe from a traveler, saying that the incident would be investigated.
The female Nigeria customs officer was caught on camera demanding N5,000 from a passenger at the airport before his luggage would be released.
In the video, the female customs officer is heard telling the passenger to pay the sum of N5,000 before she would allow him to pass with his luggage.
The passenger who was willing to offer only N1,000 said the customs officer did nothing for him to deserve the money she demanded.
The officer who didn’t hide her face is overheard saying: “Give me N5,000,” but the passenger replied, “I no get.”
“Okay, bring N3,000,” the customs officer said but the passenger again said he didn’t have the money.
Then she asked: “How much do you have?”
The passenger then gave her N1000 which she rejected.
The passenger is heard saying, “I no carry market, na foodstuffs I carry. I no dey give you money.”
The passenger then turned to another passenger and said, “I give am N1,000 but she said she would not collect.”
The customs officer is then seen moving the passenger’s luggage to a corner, suggesting she was going to delay him if he refused to offer the amount demanded.
The passenger is overheard shouting, “Mama, where you dey carry the bag go now? Leave am here. Mama, stop I don’t want to be rude here.”
She replied, “Rude ke, rude na, rude. Why are you giving me N1000? You give me N1000, for what?”
She further said, “Go ahead, what you sow is what you will reap. Go ahead. How can you give me N1000, for what? I will not collect anything less than N4,000 from you.”
According to the statement released on Tuesday 12th December 2023, by the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs, Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, a few hours after the airport extortion video went viral on social media, the Nigeria customs in reacting to the video, stated that it is diligently investigating the airport extortion incident at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, where an officer was observed soliciting ₦5000 bribe from a passenger.
“This behavior has rightfully raised public concern, and we are committed to ensuring full accountability.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident transpired at New Terminal, within the departure hall of Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos, and was captured on video by the involved passenger. The recording reveals an inappropriate request for ₦5000 in exchange for expeditious processing of customs procedures,” the statement said.
The Nigerian Customs also confirmed that the officer caught in the airport extortion video is actually their officer, saying that:
“We wish to confirm that the Officer implicated is indeed a member of the Nigeria Customs Service, properly assigned to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Area Command.
The NCS strongly condemns this unprofessional conduct and is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism. A comprehensive investigation is underway to scrutinize the incident thoroughly, and appropriate actions will be taken.
Such behavior is entirely inconsistent with the core values of our service, and we are resolute in maintaining a transparent and accountable customs operation.
We encourage passengers and the public to report any instances of misconduct or corruption promptly. These reports are crucial in upholding the integrity of our service and ensuring that officers adhere to the highest ethical standards. The NCS is unwavering in its commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. The outcome of the investigation will be communicated to the public at the earliest opportunity,” the statement added.