Customs arrest, detains four officers over murder of Godwin Onoja

Following the alleged killing of one Godwin Onoja by an operative of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) A, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Sunday in Ogun State, the service has detained four of its officers over the incident.

The Public Relations Officer of the command, DC Joseph Attah, in a statement said the service was in touch with the bereaved family of the deceased.

According to Attah, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), has set up a panel, led by the Zonal Coordinator, A, to investigate the killing and vowed that any officer caught on the wrong side would be punished with accordingly.

Reports said a Customs officer, ASCI Destiny Onebamho, on Sunday, shot dead a “Customs friend” during an argument with commuters in a passenger bus in an attempt to intercept bales of used clothing.

Attah, the Customs spokesman, said: “Following the unfortunate incident on Sunday, February 17, 2019, at Sagamu interchange involving operatives of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, which led to the death of a fellow citizen, Mr. Godwin Agada Onoja, the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to maintain close contact with the bereaved family.

“We are pained by this sad development and share the grief of losing a fellow compatriot in a seemingly avoidable circumstance. We are and will continue to take every necessary step that will cushion the pain associated with losing a dear one. Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd), has directed a thorough investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident, with the view to ensuring that justice is served.”

The PRO promised that the outcome of the probe would be made public for all Nigerians, adding that the officer whose rifle discharged would also face the panel as soon as he is fit.

“In line with this directive, the investigation panel, headed by the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, ACG Kaycee Ekekezie, has interrogated and detained four members of the patrol team.

“The panel could not immediately conclude the investigation because the actual officer (ASCI Destiny Onebamho) whose rifle discharged is presently receiving medical attention as a result of the attack following the unfortunate incident. He will face the panel as soon as he is fit to do so, to enable the panel conclude investigation and recommend appropriate action(s).

“NCS is a reputable organisation known for integrity and responsibility. In line with our corporate values, we will not shield any operative found wanting in this ongoing investigation. The service appreciates the public concern and strong emotions drawn from the viral video, with narratives that created various opinions.”