Alleged Smuggling Kingpin Threatens Nigerian Customs Officer Over Seized Goods, Claims Customs Bosses Involved in Smuggling

In a chilling confrontation, Ibrahim Egungbohun Dende, purportedly a major smuggling figure in southwestern Nigeria, reportedly issued death threats to an Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASC) after his attempt to smuggle goods from Benin Republic into Nigeria was thwarted.

The incident, which occurred in January, came to light following an undercover investigation by FIJ, revealing systemic corruption within the Nigerian Customs Service. The investigation exposed how Customs officials allegedly accept bribes from smugglers and then betray patrol teams by informing smugglers of their colleagues’ movements.

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Dende vehemently denies involvement in smuggling, but videos depict a heated exchange between him and the Customs officer identified as Rotimi. In the footage, Dende, armed and agitated, curses Rotimi while Customs officers attempt to calm him down.

Notably, Dende accuses Customs officers of hypocrisy, claiming they were also involved in smuggling rice. He alleges seeing trailers loaded with rice belonging to Customs bosses in Seme, highlighting a culture of corruption within the institution.

The confrontation underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating smuggling and corruption along Nigeria’s borders.