Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, Nigeria Customs Boss And Us

Published

1 year ago

January 11, 2025

thecloudngr

Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, Nigeria Customs Boss And Us—-Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), took on the Nigeria Customs Service, determined to expose the hidden truths and blurred lines within the institution. Despite being threatened with hefty lawsuits, Soyombo stood firm, armed with secret recordings of audio, video, and images.

When FiSayo Soyombo received the first lawsuit letter, his lawyers quickly responded within three hours, requesting a court meeting with Ibrahim Dende and his team. However, in a surprising twist, Dende decided to withdraw the case, Suit Number CV/2286/2024, against Soyombo. This sudden move surprised Nigerians, leaving many stunned.

However, Soyombo refused to accept the withdrawal, prompting Dende to reapply to continue with the lawsuit. This development has added another layer of complexity to the case, which has already sparked widespread interest and concern about corruption and accountability in Nigeria

The most alarming allegation, however, is that Dende, an alleged smuggler, claimed to have had a hand in the appointment of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, the Comptroller General of Customs. This raises serious concerns about corruption and collusion within the customs service.

It’s worth noting that Soyombo, a renowned investigative journalist, has a history of taking on tough cases. He’s known for his fearless approach, having gone undercover to expose corruption in Nigeria’s justice system

Nigeria’s Customs boss, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has found himself at the center of a corruption scandal. Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo alleges that Adeniyi’s appointment as Comptroller-General of Customs was facilitated by none other than IBD Dende, an alleged notorious smuggler with a reputation for trafficking rice, turkey, arms, and ammunition. Dende is alleged by Soyombo to be the leader of the ‘Inumidun (Smuggling) Squad’.

This revelation is unsettling, to say the least. The idea that an alleged smuggler could have influenced the appointment of the Customs boss is akin to a robbery gang leader having a say in who becomes the Inspector General of Police. The allegations are disturbing conflict of interest that undermines the integrity of the Customs Service.

Interestingly, Adeniyi has been actively working to combat corruption within the Service. He recently met with the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to discuss strategies for mitigating corruption. However, these efforts may be overshadowed by the allegations surrounding his appointment.

The situation highlights the need for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s institutions. As the country continues to grapple with corruption, it’s essential to ensure that those in positions of power are free from undue influence and are working in the best interests of the nation.

Southwestern Nigeria’s alleged most notorious smuggler wasn’t just invited to the Customs Officers Wives Association’s ‘relaunch’ event in Abuja – they were a major donor! This isn’t a bad dream, it actually happened in the Nigeria Customs. It’s a stark reminder of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, where the lines between right and wrong are hopelessly blurred. With the weight of allegations confronting the current Comptroller-General’s leadership, it seems reality has become a real-life Animal Farm

A viral video by investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo surfaced sometime last year, allegedly showing notorious smuggler Dende mentioning Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the current Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), while accusing customs officers of allowing his trailers carrying smuggled rice into Nigeria. In the video, Dende is seen threatening to kill a customs officer for stopping his smuggled rice and is heard ordering someone to “Call Wale, call Wale” – with ‘Wale’ referring to Adeniyi, a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

This shocking allegations raises serious concerns about corruption and collusion within the customs service.

The Nigerian Customs Service has responded to allegations surrounding Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), stating that the altercation in question stemmed from the seizure of allegedly smuggled goods. However, many Nigerians remain skeptical, as there has been no update on the investigation into claims that Adeniyi’s own trailers of rice were allowed into the country while those of Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun were refused.

The Customs spokesperson acknowledged the severity of the allegations against Adeniyi but failed to provide any information on the prosecution of Dende or the outcome of the investigation. Interestingly, it has been alleged to light that Dende and Adeniyi have a long-standing friendship that predates Adeniyi’s appointment as Comptroller General of Customs.

These allegations raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of the customs service under Adeniyi’s leadership. As the Comptroller General of Customs, Adeniyi has been instrumental in promoting data analytics and innovation within the service. However, the lack of transparency surrounding this allegation threatens to undermine his efforts and erode public trust in the institution.

After the litigant’s application to withdraw the lawsuit against Fisayo Soyombo was rejected, they have reapplied to continue the case. Nigerians are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this high-profile case. This development comes after Soyombo, an investigative journalist, exposed alleged corruption in the Nigeria Customs Service, leading to a lawsuit against him

Akinwale, a public affairs commentator, writes from Abeokuta

thecloudngr

0Shares

Up Next

Governor Aiyedatiwa Grants Amnesty to 40 Prisoners On 60th Birthday

Don't Miss

#CHEMOR: Watch Free Livestream Match Between Chelsea Vs Morecambe Here

Click to comment

Entertainment

JUST IN: Nollywood Thrown Into Mourning As Actor Alexx Ekubo Dies At 40

Published

9 hours ago

May 12, 2026

thecloudngr

JUST IN: Nollywood Thrown Into Mourning As Actor Alexx Ekubo Dies At 40—-Popular Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has reportedly passed away at the age of 40 after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Reports which emerged on Tuesday evening stated that the award-winning movie star had been privately battling the illness for some time before his death, throwing the Nigerian entertainment industry into deep mourning.

News of his passing has since triggered an outpouring of grief across social media, with fans, colleagues, and celebrities paying tribute to the actor known for his charisma, elegance, and versatility on screen.

For months, concerns had grown among fans over Ekubo’s absence from public appearances and social media activity. His last major online post dated back to late 2024, fueling speculation about his health and wellbeing.

Born Alex Ekubo-Okwaraeke, the actor studied Law at the University of Calabar and also earned a diploma in Mass Communication. He first gained national attention after emerging as the first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition — a breakthrough that opened the doors to a successful acting career in Nollywood.

Ekubo quickly became one of the industry’s most recognisable faces, admired for his ability to interpret a wide range of roles. His performance in the 2012 movie In the Cupboard earned him the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award at the Best of Nollywood Awards.

Beyond acting, his personal life often attracted public interest, especially his relationship with American-based model Fancy Acholonu. The pair became one of Nollywood’s most talked-about celebrity couples after announcing their engagement in 2021.

However, their planned wedding — famously tagged #FalexxForever — was abruptly cancelled just months before the ceremony, sparking widespread reactions online. In the years that followed, both parties made headlines over comments regarding their relationship and eventual separation.

As tributes continue to pour in, colleagues in the movie industry have described Ekubo as a warm-hearted individual whose talent and energy left a lasting impact on African cinema.

His death marks a painful loss for Nollywood and the many fans who admired him throughout his career.

thecloudngr

0Shares

Business

UBA, GTCO Lose ₦2.13 billion To Fraudsters Despite Heavy Cybersecurity Investments

Published

15 hours ago

May 12, 2026

thecloudngr

UBA, GTCO Lose ₦2.13 billion To Fraudsters Despite Heavy Cybersecurity Investments—-Three of Nigeria’s largest financial institutions have reported combined fraud-related losses of approximately ₦2.13 billion in their latest audited financial statements, highlighting the growing threat of cybercrime and electronic banking fraud in the country’s financial sector.

The affected institutions include Access Holdings Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, and United Bank for Africa Plc.

According to details contained in the banks’ 2025 financial reports, fraud incidents linked to the three lenders totalled approximately ₦10.29 billion. However, through recoveries, transaction reversals, and security interventions, the banks were able to prevent or recover about ₦8.16 billion, leaving actual losses at approximately ₦2.13 billion.

Among the banks, Access Holdings recorded the highest direct loss to fraudsters, losing an estimated ₦1.24 billion within the financial year.

United Bank for Africa reported over 26,400 fraud-related incidents, with actual losses totalling approximately ₦621.57 million, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company recorded approximately ₦269.44 million in losses tied to fraudulent activities.

Industry analysts say the figures reflect the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals targeting Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital banking ecosystem.

Most of the fraud cases were reportedly connected to electronic banking channels, including unauthorised transfers, mobile banking compromise, phishing schemes, identity theft, and other forms of digital payment fraud.

The development comes as Nigerian banks continue to accelerate the country’s transition toward a cashless economy through mobile banking platforms, internet banking services, agency banking networks, and digital payment systems.

Despite the losses, the financial institutions significantly increased investments in technology infrastructure and cybersecurity measures during the year under review.

Collectively, the banks reportedly spent over ₦280 billion on technology upgrades, fraud monitoring systems, customer authentication processes, and transaction security enhancements aimed at reducing cyber threats and protecting customer funds.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria has also intensified regulatory efforts to curb financial fraud across the banking industry.

The apex bank recently introduced stricter compliance measures requiring financial institutions to strengthen fraud detection systems, improve transaction monitoring, and respond more rapidly to suspicious activities and customer complaints.

Financial experts have warned that as digital banking adoption continues to rise across Nigeria, banks and customers alike must remain vigilant against increasingly advanced cybercrime tactics targeting the financial sector

thecloudngr