…my damaged vehicle, laptop should be replaced, Adeyemo insists
Nigeria Customs Service says it has arrested and reprimanded its officers involved in the alleged reckless firing of gunshots against estate developer and CEO of Pelican Valley Limited, Dr. Babatunde Adeyemo, assuring that the Service is committed to professionalism and discipline.
Recall that Adeyemo on Thursday, narrated how he narrowly escaped being shot dead by gun-totting Customs operatives in Ogun State while returning from a public function along Ibara-Orile in Abeokuta North local Government Area of the state.
According to Adeyemo, barely a few seconds after he drove past the Customs checkpoint, his vehicle was shot at by one of the Customs men and the bullet pierced the back of his vehicle and damaged his laptop.
He, therefore, appealed to the Federal Government to urgently initiate measures to checkmate the excesses of operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service on the highways.
But in a swift reaction to the shooting incident against the Pelican Valley CEO, Customs Public Relations Officer, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, CSC Theophilus Duniya said the command frowned on such incidents of misconduct and has launched a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter.
CSC Duniya also disclosed that the officer involved in the shooting incident had been identified and is currently in detention.
He noted that in line with Customs’ commitment to professionalism and discipline, Comptroller Kola Oladeji of Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja has also ordered immediate replacement of the damaged laptop and repair of the damaged vehicle.
The Customs spokesperson stressed that the prompt response of the Service demonstrated Customs’ dedication to making amends and ensuring that such incidents are thoroughly addressed.
Meanwhile, lawyer to Adeyemo, Barr. Ogugbara has petitioned the Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos State.
Ogugbara, in a petition dated December 16, 2024 and submitted through an email to the Service requested that, as a show of remorse, the Nigeria Customs Service should replace the damaged Mercedes Benz G.L450 either in cash or in a befitting substitute.
Adeyemo’s lawyer equally requested the payment of N50million as compensation for the loss of data and rebuilding of data on the damaged computer.
The lawyer warned that if his client’s demands were not met, he shall not hesitate to initiate legal action against the Nigeria Customs Service.