Incident Involving Idowu Moses during Attack on Customs by Hoodlums in Ogun State

Incident Involving Idowu Moses during Attack on Customs by Hoodlums in Ogun State

The Public Relations Officer (PRO), of Ogun -1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service, DSC HB OLOYEDE said,
“On Saturday, 26th September, 2020 at about 0930 hours, Officers and Men of Zone ‘B’ team of Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun-I Command went on information patrol along Oja-odan, Egua axis and intercepted about 18 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) from a convoy of motorcycles and a motorcycle left behind by some suspected smugglers who absconded on sighting our Officers.

“However, the said rice and the motorcycle were evacuated inside the official patrol van and the team left the spot of arrest”.

The PRO, who spoke on behalf of the Customs Area Controller, CAC, of the Command, Compt Michael Agbara, explained, “On their way out, our Officers were ambushed and attacked by mob armed with dangerous weapons including Dane guns, bottles, stones and charms.

“One Officer, an Assistant Superintendent of Customs II AK USMAN was abducted along with his rifle by the hoodlums.

“As such, the team immediately called for reinforcement of both Customs and other Security agencies for assistance in restoring law and order.”

He informed, “The reinforcement was timely as the Police contingent were able to rescue the abducted officer in a bush path.

“Upon his rescue by the Police, the abducted officer was found to have been beaten to stupor. The magazine of his rifle loaded with 19 rounds of ammunition was found empty of the ammunition and was damaged.

“This is an indication that the hoodlums fired his rifle, which could have led to the death of the victim, given that the hoodlums are untrained in the handling of such weapon.”

He pointed out, “Consequently, a suspect in connection to the mayhem that led to the ugly incident was arrested at the scene and had been detained for further investigation.

“The Nigeria Customs Service note with regret the death of one Mr Idowu Moses, said to have been hit by a stray bullet suspected to have been fired by one of the hoodlums using the firearm of the abducted officer. This explains why the rifle was returned without a single ammunition.

“We also wish to register our heartfelt condolence and prayers to the family and friends of the bereaved for this irreparable loss”.

He assured, “Investigation is on-going and the outcome shall be made known to the public”.