Following the killing of one Godwin Onoja by operatives of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Sunday in Ogun, the service said it has detained four of its officers over the incident.
In a press statement on Tuesday, Joseph Attah, national public relations officer of the Customs, said the service is in touch with the bereaved family.
According to Attah, the Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali (rtd) had set up a panel led by the Zonal Coordinator, A to investigate the killing and vowed that any officer caught on the wrong side will be dealt with accordingly.
Recall that a Customs officer, Destiny Onebamho on Sunday shot and killed a man during a heated argument with passengers of a bus in an attempt to intercept bales of used clothes.
“Following the unfortunate incident on Sunday 17th February 2019 at Shagamu Interchange involving Operatives of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, which led to the death of a fellow citizen, Godwin Agada Onoja, the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to maintain close contact with the bereaved family,” Attah said.
He said: “We are pained by this sad development and share the grief of losing a fellow compatriot in a seemingly avoidable circumstance. We are and will continue to take every necessary step that will cushion the pain associated with losing a dear one.
Attah assured that the outcome of the investigation by the panel would be made public for all Nigerians, adding that the officers whose rifle discharged would also face the panel as soon as he’s fit.
“The panel could not immediately conclude the investigation because the actual officer (Destiny Onebamho) whose riffle discharged is presently receiving medical attention as a result of attack following the unfortunate incident. He will face the panel as soon as he is fit to do so, to enable the panel conclude investigation and recommend appropriate action(s).
He added that NCS is a reputable organization known for integrity and responsibility. In line with our corporate values, we will not shield any operative found wanting in this ongoing investigation.
“Nigerians will recall that in 2017, the Service made public its investigation and dismissal of five officers implicated in the illegal release of the 661-pump action riffles from Apapa Port. The dismissed officers were immediately handed over for prosecution alongside the importer and agent. A prosecution that is ongoing at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi Lagos,” he said.
He further assured that the investigation would comprise the weapon handling skills and actions that must be taken by the Service to possibly prevent future occurrence.
AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE
