ZAINAB JUNAID
The Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command, has launched a full-scale investigation into a media report alleging misconduct involving a passenger during customs clearance procedures, at the Arrival Hall D of the old terminal.
The Command assured transparency, and clarified that applicable charges were calculated and paid into government coffers, indicating no extortion took place.
According to a press statement signed by Deputy Superintendent of Customs, USMAN ABDUL on Monday 16 June 2025, the incident occurred on 16 May 2025, when a Nigerian Returnee from the United States of America, Mr. Oke Adhekegba, arrived Lagos aboard British Airways Flight Number BA-75 from London on Friday, at approximately 18:47 hours.
“Preliminary findings carried out by the Command’s personnel revealed that Mr. Adhekegba had 10 luggages containing multiple items, including 15 pairs of footwear, 22 bottles of perfumes, 12 pieces of bags, and numerous new clothings”.
Abdul said these items were assessed at $1,948.15, which is equivalent to approximately ₦3,113,574.00 using the prevailing exchange rate of N1598.22
“The Service computed applicable charges amounting to ₦1,000,004.00, which included Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) charge, Import Duty, Surcharge (SUR), ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) Levy, and Value Added Tax (VAT). The charges were duly remitted into the Federal Government’s coffers,” he stated.
Attached is a copy of receipt remitted to government coffers.
The MMIA Command further reiterated commitment to facilitating legitimate travel and trade while upholding zero tolerance for misconduct or abuse of process.
It also emphasised that tariffs on taxable items must be paid in accordance with the law and will enforce compliance where necessary with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
The investigation aims to establish the facts of the matter, and the Command remains open to scrutiny and welcomes constructive engagement from stakeholders, as the Service’s stance on professionalism, transparency, and integrity is clear, and the public can expect a thorough and fair investigation into the alleged misconduct.
