Fikayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), took on the Nigeria Customs Service, determined to expose the hidden truths and blurred lines within the institution. Despite being threatened with hefty lawsuits, Soyombo stood firm, armed with secret recordings of audio, video, and images.

When the first lawsuit letter arrived, his lawyers swiftly responded within three hours, requesting a court meeting with Ibrahim Dende and his team. However, in a shocking turn of events, Dende withdrew the case, Suit Number CV/2286/2024, against Soyombo. This sudden withdrawal implies that the allegations made by Soyombo were factual, leaving many Nigerians stunned.

The most alarming revelation, however, is that Dende, an alleged smuggler, claimed to have had a hand in the appointment of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, the Comptroller General of Customs. This raises serious concerns about corruption and collusion within the customs service.

It’s worth noting that Soyombo, a renowned investigative journalist, has a history of taking on tough cases. He’s known for his fearless approach, having gone undercover to expose corruption in Nigeria’s justice system

Nigeria’s Customs boss, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has found himself at the center of a corruption scandal. Investigative journalist Fikayo Soyombo alleges that Adeniyi’s appointment as Comptroller-General of Customs was facilitated by none other than IBD Dende, a notorious smuggler with a reputation for trafficking rice, turkey, arms, and ammunition. Dende is also said to be the leader of the ‘Inumidun (Smuggling) Squad’.

This revelation is unsettling, to say the least. The idea that a smuggler could have influenced the appointment of the Customs boss is akin to a robbery gang leader having a say in who becomes the Inspector General of Police. It’s a disturbing conflict of interest that undermines the integrity of the Customs Service.

Interestingly, Adeniyi has been actively working to combat corruption within the Service. He recently met with the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to discuss strategies for mitigating corruption. However, these efforts may be overshadowed by the allegations surrounding his appointment.

The situation highlights the need for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s institutions. As the country continues to grapple with corruption, it’s essential to ensure that those in positions of power are free from undue influence and are working in the best interests of the nation.

Southwestern Nigeria’s most notorious smuggler wasn’t just invited to the Customs Officers Wives Association’s ‘relaunch’ event in Abuja – they were a major donor! This isn’t a bad dream, it actually happened in the Nigeria Customs. It’s a stark reminder of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, where the lines between right and wrong are hopelessly blurred. Under the current Comptroller-General’s leadership, it seems reality has become a real-life Animal Farm

A viral video by investigative journalist, Fikayo Soyombo surfaced sometime last year, allegedly showing notorious smuggler Dende mentioning Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the current Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), while accusing customs officers of allowing his trailers carrying smuggled rice into Nigeria. In the video, Dende is seen threatening to kill a customs officer for stopping his smuggled rice and is heard ordering someone to “Call Wale, call Wale” – with ‘Wale’ referring to Adeniyi, a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR). This shocking revelation raises serious concerns about corruption and collusion within the customs service.

The Nigerian Customs Service has responded to allegations surrounding Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), stating that the altercation in question stemmed from the seizure of allegedly smuggled goods. However, many Nigerians remain skeptical, as there has been no update on the investigation into claims that Adeniyi’s own trailers of rice were allowed into the country while those of Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun were refused.

The Customs spokesperson acknowledged the severity of the allegations against Adeniyi but failed to provide any information on the prosecution of Dende or the outcome of the investigation. Interestingly, it has come to light that Dende and Adeniyi have a long-standing friendship that predates Adeniyi’s appointment as Comptroller General of Customs.

This raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of the customs service under Adeniyi’s leadership. As the Comptroller General of Customs, Adeniyi has been instrumental in promoting data analytics and innovation within the service. However, the lack of transparency surrounding this allegation threatens to undermine his efforts and erode public trust in the institution. 

Since the withdrawal of the suite against Fikayo Soyombo, Nigerians have been waiting to hear from relevant Nigerian authorities but the waiting may be endless.

Akinwale, a public affairs commentator, writes from Abeokuta