Nigeria Customs Parades Officer Caught In Viral Video Extorting Motorist 

The Nigeria Customs Service has paraded one of its officers following the circulation of a viral video showing the alleged extortion of a motorist.

A video posted on the NCS X handle on Friday showed the moment the officer, whose identity was not disclosed, was paraded and later handed over to the Customs police unit for further investigation and disciplinary proceedings.

The NCS described the incident as a clear case of unprofessional conduct and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for misconduct by personnel.

“Following the circulation of a viral video depicting unprofessional conduct by patrol officers, the Nigeria Customs Service initiated immediate disciplinary procedures in line with its zero-tolerance policy on misconduct,” a voice-over in the video said.

Controller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Lagos State, CSC Hussaini Abdullahi, addressed the matter during the parade, saying, “The service wishes to reiterate that officers found culpable of violating ethical standards will be subjected to appropriate sanctions without compromise.

“On behalf of the Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Controller G.I. Aliu, I hereby hand over the officer to the Head of the Customs Police Unit in Zone A for further investigation and other necessary action.”

It was gathered that the incident occurred along the Lagos-Benin Expressway, where the officer was captured demanding up to N200,000 from a motorist.

The motorist was said to have secretly recorded the encounter using AI Meta glasses.

In the recording, the officer, dressed in uniform, was seen engaging the driver over vehicle documents and past clearances while pressing for payment.

The officer told the motorist that he was liable for outstanding vehicle document payments dating back to 2018 and that the accumulated amount had become substantial.

The motorist responded that previous officers usually cleared such issues in Apapa. The officer then told him to report to the office to retrieve his key.

When the motorist asked how the matter could be resolved, the officer replied, “Go and bring 200 (thousand naira).”

It remains unclear whether any money was eventually paid before the vehicle was released.