By Samuel Akinwale
Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), took on the Nigeria Customs Service, determined to expose the institution’s hidden truths and blurred lines.
Despite being threatened with hefty lawsuits, Soyombo stood firm, armed with video, images, and recordings.
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.
It is 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
Soyombo’s investigations allege a relationship between Adeniyi and IBD Dende, an alleged smuggler with a reputation for trafficking rice and turkey.
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 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 Dende mentioning Adeniyi, the current Comptroller-General of Customs 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 Adeniyi, 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 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 suit 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.
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