MMIA Customs Denies Extortion Allegations, Launches Probe into Returnee’s Claims

The Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has formally denied allegations of extortion levelled against its officers by a U.S.-based Nigerian returnee, Oke Adhekegba. In a statement released Monday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Usman Abdul, Customs declared that a full investigation is underway to clarify the circumstances surrounding the claims.

The controversy began following Adhekegba’s arrival at Lagos on British Airways flight BA-75 from London on Friday, May 16, 2025, at approximately 6:47 PM. Allegations emerged that Customs officers demanded unofficial payments during the inspection of his baggage.

Customs Defends Assessment of Returnee’s Goods at MMIA

Addressing the matter, Comptroller Effiong Harrison, who leads the MMIA Command, revealed that Adhekegba arrived with 10 pieces of luggage containing numerous personal effects. These included 15 pairs of footwear, 22 bottles of perfume, 12 bags, and a substantial quantity of new clothing—items that Customs assessed to be worth ₦3,113,574, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦1,000,004.

“These items were assessed at $1,948.15 USD,” Harrison explained. “Using the prevailing exchange rate of ₦1,598.22, the value translated to ₦3,113,574.00 in local currency.”

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In line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, Customs calculated various charges including the Import Duty, Surcharge (SUR), ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) Levy, Value Added Tax (VAT), and Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) charge. The resulting ₦1,000,004 in duty was duly remitted to the Federal Government—a transaction supported with official documentation.

Customs officers identified in the baggage examination were Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) K.O. Adebayo and Assistant Superintendent of Customs I (ASC I) C.C. Ugboma. Both officers have reportedly maintained adherence to standard operating procedures throughout the process.

Customs Reiterates Transparency and Professional Conduct

Comptroller Harrison reaffirmed that the MMIA Command adheres strictly to transparency, accountability, and zero tolerance for unethical behavior. “The MMIA Command does not condone misconduct or compromise in its operations,” he stated.

While the NCS remains open to scrutiny from the public and stakeholders, Harrison stressed that due process must be followed and applicable duties paid on all dutiable items brought into Nigeria, as prescribed by law.

He added that any individual found attempting to bypass legal requirements for personal advantage would face appropriate legal consequences under the NCSA 2023. Harrison assured travelers and trade operators of the Command’s ongoing commitment to facilitating seamless, lawful processes at all ports of entry.

As investigations continue, the MMIA Command has urged the public to rely on official communication and avoid drawing conclusions until facts are fully established.