News
IADI, Others Set to Protest Against Customs Boss Over Smuggling Allegations, Promotion Scandal
• Calls on Tinubu to Reverse Tenure Extension
• As Groups Decry Nepotism, Favoritism, and Disregard for Due Process
Amid rising concerns over governance failures within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), a coalition of civil society organizations led by the Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative (IADI) has announced plans to stage a nationwide protest and press conference against the leadership of the agency, particularly the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
According to reports, the planned civic action stems from a series of unresolved allegations, including collusion with rice smugglers, promotion irregularities, nepotism, and a growing culture of impunity and administrative silence within the Service.
In a statement released on Wednesday, signed by IADI’s Executive Director, Comrade Christopher Ofomhi, the group disclosed that the protest is officially scheduled for Friday, 15th August 2025. The procession will begin at Unity Fountain, Abuja, and proceed to the Customs Headquarters, where demonstrators will demand accountability and comprehensive reform.
The group also revealed that a formal petition dated 6th August 2025 has been submitted to the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, requesting approval and security coverage for the protest. IADI emphasized that the protest will be peaceful, lawful, and focused on drawing national attention to deep-rooted issues in the Customs Service that have long been ignored.
Of particular concern according to the group, are fresh allegations that officers collect ₦250,000 per boat to facilitate rice smuggling through the Badagry waterways. These illegal activities, reportedly carried out in full view of Customs patrol boats, raise grave concerns about complicity at the highest levels.
The coalition also decried alleged favoritism in special promotions, opaque examination procedures, and violations of seniority protocols, all of which they say are eroding morale within the Service and undermining public trust.
Comrade Ofomhi lamented that despite repeated petitions and public outcries, the Comptroller-General’s office has remained silent. “We can no longer be quiet while due process is consistently trampled upon. It is our constitutional responsibility to demand accountability where there is silence and to challenge abuse where negligence thrives,” he declared.
Ofomhi also disclosed that the protest will be an avenue to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider and reverse the recent tenure extension granted to CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, which he insists was not based on merit or transparency.
“The extension appears to be a product of favoritism, not competence,” the group alleged, warning that such practices must not be tolerated under an administration committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda.
They further stressed that bad leadership must be confronted, not rewarded, and vowed to escalate civic pressure if the authorities fail to act. While expressing openness to dialogue, the civil society groups made it clear that continued inaction would prompt a broader nationwide campaign to restore accountability and integrity across Nigeria’s security and revenue-generating institutions.
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