Customs detains four officers over killing of man in viral video

THE Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has detained four of its men in connection with the “accidental discharge” incident of last Sunday, which claimed the life of one Godwin Onoja.

The incident, which happened at the Sagamu interchange on the Lagos-benin expressway, involved some operatives of the (NCS) Federal Operations Unit, (FOU) on anti-smuggling patrol.

The National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Joseph Attah, in a statement yesterday, said the Comptroller General of the service, Hameed Ali (rtd) had set up a panel led by the Zonal Coordinator A, ACG Kaycee Ekekezie, to investigate the killing, assuring that any officer caught on the wrong side will be death with accordingly.

It will be recalled that bullets from the riffle of a Customs officer, ASCI Destiny Onebamho, hit and killed Onoja, described as a friend of the Customs, during a heated argument that ensued while the FOU Zone A operatives where trying to apprehend a passenger bus loaded with bales of used clothing.

“Following the unfortunate incident on Sunday, February 17 at Sagamu Interchange, which led to the death of Mr. Godwin Agada Onoja, the 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.”

He said the actual officer that was involved in the incidence, (ASCI Destiny Onebamho, whose riffle discharged) is presently receiving medical attention as a result of attack, adding that he would face the panel as soon as he is fit to do so, to enable the panel conclude investigation and recommend appropriate action(s).

The service image-maker assured that the outcome of the panel would be made public for all Nigerians. He further assured that the investigation would comprise the weapon handling skills and actions that must be taken by the Service to possibly prevent future occurrence.