News
Customs JBPT Sector 3 makes seizures of goods worth N18m
By Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Sector 3 Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a luxurious Bus popularly called Macapolo belonging to All Express International along Abuja-Lokoja high way conveying 44 bales of acidic secondhand clothing and 16 sacks of fairly used infectious shoes with a Duty Paid Value of N3, 680,000.
In the same vein, the JBPT operatives have tracked and arrested a trailer with Reg. No SRP 501 XA loaded with 550 foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each, along Mokwa-Jebba Road with a duty paid Value (DPV) of N14, 025,000.
Disclosing this to journalists at a press briefing in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, on Wednesday, JBPT Coordinator, Comptroller Olugboyega Peters, said: “Prominent to note also was the interception of 2019 Lexus Jeep worth N21m that was intercepted around Benue axis of the sector. It beats my imagination to think that a man who can afford this type of luxury car can try to evade customs duty of N7.3m.
He said; “Worthy of note is the fact that petrol smuggling through the sector has continued to be on the decrease in the face of sustained offensive against the illicit trade because the profit motive that drives smuggling is being scuttled. It is therefore reasonable for such people to embrace other means of livelihood
“We shall not relent in our efforts to fight smuggling to a standstill. We are on daily basis improving on our intelligence gathering methods and deploying our efforts, as well as available logistics in accordance with all extant laws as enshrined in the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45, LFN 2004 as amended, to ensure that Sector 3 is uncomfortable for all economic saboteurs.
“We therefore use this opportunity to warn those with evil activities and those using official or company vehicles to smuggle goods into the country to steer clear of sector 3 axis as there shall be no safe haven for them.”
The Comptroller added that within the period under review, the sector has made 107 interceptions which include Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Foreign Parboiled Rice, Motorcycles, Cartons of Foreign Tomatoes and Secondhand (worn) Clothing with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N139.7m, noting that the three illegal immigrants (Teenagers between 16-18 years of Age) who were arrested around Babanna axis of the Sector were handed over to Nigeria Immigration Service as one of the agencies in the sector saddled with such responsibilities.
Peters expressed the sector’s gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd), Office of National Security adviser (ONSA) NIA, DSS, Immigration, Nigerian Police Force and other relevant sister agencies, who in their efforts, “ensure the realisation of our mandate and make provisions for the needed equipment, especially operational vehicles.”
While acknowledging the cooperation of the Traditional rulers, Youth and Community leaders, NURTW, IPMAN and the good people of North central States who have continued to provide peaceful and enabling environment for our officers and men to carry out their statutory duties, the Comptroller reiterated that “sector 3 under our watch would maintain zero tolerance for smuggling bearing in mind its negative implication on the economic growth and development of our great country Nigeria.”
End
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
photo
JUST IN: Even Tinubu moves with too many police escorts – Senator Ndume
-
Uncategorized5 years agoFG, states urged to harness flooding for ranching, others with technology – Agbaje
-
Headlines10 years agoBreaking: EFCC seals Borno House of Assembly, as Hon members take to their heels
-
News11 years agoNigeria Security Operatives Stage Manhunt For Homosexual Perpetrator
-
News9 years agoHow 21-year-old Girl fled community over accusation of lesbianism
-
News10 years agoYobe Gov Moves Against Deputy
-
Opinion7 years ago7 signs she has friend zoned you
-
Technology4 years ago
Online job placement company headhunts women
-
Headlines10 years agoBorno Dep Gov Abducts Another Church Leader