Nigerian Customs To Investigate Alleged Extortion Of Millions Of Naira From Kano Businessmen By Officials

The Kano-Jigawa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched an investigation into allegations of extortion involving customs officials at the Abubakar Rimi market, popularly known as Sabon Gari, in Kano. The investigation follows a petition submitted by the Sabon-Gari Market Shop Owners and Online Marketers Association, which accuses certain customs officers of extorting traders, harassing them, and unlawfully seizing goods and vehicles meant for delivery across northern Nigeria.

According to the petition obtained by Fushion Chronicles Nigeria, the association argues that their goods are locally sourced, primarily from Lagos markets like Alaba, and transported by hired carriers to Kano. They maintain that these goods are neither contraband nor subject to customs duties. However, they allege that customs officials have been demanding illegal fees of up to N500,000 per truckload.

The association, represented by its legal counsel, A.A. Hikima Esq., explained that the extortion begins as early as the point of loading in Lagos and continues at checkpoints in Kaduna, Zaria, and Kano. Nazifi Auwalu, Public Relations Officer of the association, described the situation as dire, saying, “We are now in a dilemma when it comes to transporting goods to Kano. It feels like we are constantly caught between a cat-and-mouse chase with customs officials.”

Auwalu recounted an incident where a vehicle transporting perfume was detained by customs officers, who accused them of carrying contraband. He claimed that the officer in charge demanded N1 million for the vehicle’s release. Another trader, Nura Abdullahi, shared a similar experience, stating that he had to pay N2 million for the release of his seized vehicle, plus an additional N150,000 in handling fees.

In response to these allegations, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano-Jigawa Customs, Nura Abdullahi, promised a thorough investigation. He confirmed that an inquiry is underway, with arrests already made among officials found complicit. Abdullahi also assured that any traders who suffered losses due to these alleged actions would be compensated, expressing gratitude to the businessmen for raising their concerns.