The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has firmly denied allegations that it released poisoned rice seized from smugglers in the Seme area, which reportedly led to multiple deaths, including that of a soldier. In a statement issued on Sunday in Seme, Lagos, the Command's spokesperson, Isah Sulaiman, described the claims as unfounded and baseless.
Sulaiman emphasized that the Command adheres strictly to the NCS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for disposing of seized goods, ensuring transparency, due process, and compliance with existing laws and guidelines. He stated, "The Command wishes to categorically state that this narrative is entirely false, misleading, and does not reflect the reality of the matter."
The allegations suggested that the rice was cursed by its original owner after being seized and redistributed without his knowledge, leading to deaths in the Badagry community. Sulaiman refuted these claims, stating that no incidents within the Command's Area of Responsibility corroborate the false claims of deaths resulting from rice consumption linked to the NCS.
He further criticized individuals spreading such misinformation, accusing them of wearing the garment of journalism to misinform the public with baseless and malicious accusations. "We urge the public to disregard this unfounded story and refrain from spreading false information that could incite fear or tarnish the image of the security agencies working tirelessly to safeguard the nation," Sulaiman added.
Under the leadership of Dr. Ben Oramalugo, the Seme Command remains committed to its mandate of revenue generation, suppressing smuggling, and facilitating legitimate trade in accordance with government fiscal policies and laws.
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