The Sabon-Gari Market Shop Owners and Online Marketers Association in Kano State has filed a petition against officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, accusing them of extortion, harassment, and unlawful seizure of goods and vehicles meant for northern Nigeria.
According to the association, the targeted goods are locally manufactured, purchased primarily from Lagos’ Alaba Market, and transported to Kano by hired carriers. These items, they contend, are not contraband and do not require customs duties.
In the petition filed through their legal representative, A.A. Hikima Esq, the association highlighted their ongoing struggles, stating that they are forced to pay up to N500,000 per truckload. “The demand for these illegal payments begins at the loading point in Lagos and continues through checkpoints in Kaduna and Zaria, ultimately ending in Kano,” Hikima stated.
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The petition identified specific officers alleged to be involved, including OC Bello at Alaba Market in Lagos, Officer Jaji in Kaduna, OC Operation Alkali in Kano, and two officers from the Kaduna Federal Operations Unit, Afemi and Abbas. “Our clients are primarily local goods transporters and traders, engaged in the lawful transport of non-dutiable goods, including cosmetics, solar equipment, bulbs, and bicycles,” the statement read.
“These goods are procured from Lagos and are transported by hired carriers to Kano. We emphasize that these items are locally manufactured and do not fall under contraband or customs duty requirements.”
The association detailed how the extortion has intensified over the past two years, resulting in significant financial losses and affecting their operations. “This harassment has escalated, disrupting our clients’ business activities and nearly rendering them financially unsustainable,” they explained, citing incidents where up to N2.19 million was allegedly demanded to release goods after arbitrary seizures.
On a particular occasion in August, Hikima recounted, a trailer transporting goods was detained without grounds, forcing a N2.19 million payment for its release. Additionally, Officer Abbas from the Kaduna command reportedly collected N1.05 million to release goods detained without justification.
The association appealed for an investigation into the alleged misconduct of the identified customs officers. “We urge the Nigeria Customs Service to examine the actions of these officers, implement disciplinary measures for those found guilty of extortion, and issue clear directives to customs personnel at checkpoints to end these practices,” they stated.
They further requested the establishment of a mechanism to monitor and address future grievances, as well as a refund of all extorted funds.
Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer for the Nigeria Customs Service, responded to inquiries about the petition, stating he was hearing of the allegations for the first time. “I cannot comment on what I don’t have full information on. However, if the petition is formally submitted, it will definitely be investigated,” he assured. Maiwada added, “Whoever is involved, appropriate action will be taken.”
The association expressed willingness to provide additional evidence and testimony to support their claims, urging prompt action to restore their confidence in the Nigeria Customs Service as a fair institution.
