The Tincan Island Command of Nigeria Customs Service has reported the rejection of a N50 million bribe offered by a smuggler seeking the release of a container involved in the illegal importation of drugs, including tramadol. Customs Area Comptroller Mr. Adekunle Oloyede revealed this during a press briefing. The suspect, Boniface Ike, admitted ownership of two seized 40-foot containers carrying drugs with a duty paid value of N550 million.
Oloyede explained that Ike initially approached the command to discuss privately and later unexpectedly offered the bribe to secure his release and the containers’ release. The bribe amount of N50 million, approximately $54,330 at the current exchange rate of N920/$, was accepted and safeguarded as evidence.
Presently, two suspects are under arrest and in the custody of the enforcement unit of the command. The intercepted pharmaceutical containers originated from India. Oloyede emphasized that these pharmaceuticals lacked the necessary permits and certificates for legal importation, as regulated by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Oloyede reiterated that the involved suspects, containers, and evidence will be handed over to relevant agencies responsible for regulating such import activities.