Seme Customs denies distributing poisoned rice linked to multiple deaths in Badagry

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has refuted allegations claiming that the Command seized and distributed bags of rice without the knowledge of the owner, leading to invocation of traditional powers and death of individuals, including a soldier at Badagry.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the command labelled the narrative as entirely false, misleading, and does not reflect the reality of the matter.

The statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman stated that the command has always adhered to the NCS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for disposing of seized goods.

These procedures, he said are guided by transparency, due process, and strict adherence to extant laws and guidelines.

” It is instructive to say that no incident within the Command’s Area of Responsibility (AoR) or among personnel corroborates the false claims of deaths resulting from rice consumption linked to the NCS.

“Unfortunately, some unscrupulous elements wearing the garment of journalism (a credible profession) to disinform members of the public with baseless, fictitious and malicious accusations to score cheap points instead of the social responsibility they are supposed to uphold.

“Consequently, we urge the general 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, ” the statement said.

The Command, under the leadership of Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, PhD, reiterated it’s committed to its mandate of revenue generation, suppressing smuggling, and facilitating legitimate trade.

The command pledged to continue operating professionally and responsibly in accordance with extant government fiscal policies and laws.