How Journalist Foiled Alleged Plot By Customs To Allow Smugling Of 2,600 Bags Of Rice

Nigerian journalist and founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo, is making headlines again after revealing an alleged collusion between Nigerian Customs officers and smugglers to bring over 130,000 kg of rice from Benin Republic into Nigeria.

Soyombo claims that Customs officers planned to allow around 2,000 cars, each carrying at least 65 bags of rice, to enter Sango, Ogun State, unchecked.

In a series of posts on his social media platform, Soyombo provided detailed allegations against Nigerian Customs, even naming individuals like a billionaire smuggler known as “Ab*ga,” as key actors in the plot. According to Soyombo, these cars were to take various routes into Sango, including driving against traffic at the toll gate, potentially endangering road users and causing traffic congestion. He also noted that soldiers from the 192 Battalion at Owode were reportedly assigned to patrol and secure the passage.

In his first post, shared late on Sunday, Soyombo wrote directly to Nigerian Customs, alerting them and the public to the operation, adding, “The people are watching; they will be hysterically laughing at you when you announce ‘seizure of one million bags of rice and 25 cartons of guns’ later this week.”

Following his disclosure, the smuggling attempt appeared to have been halted, and Soyombo again addressed Customs, asking, “Now that the smuggling… has been foiled by my public revelation, what next? Are you merely postponing the crime to a more convenient date, or are you going to apprehend the criminal actors?”

https://twitter.com/fisayosoyombo/status/1855890452097962259?t=yq27bRiG7F0-zvLJRPQHNw&s=19

This latest investigation adds to Soyombo’s extensive record of exposing misconduct within Nigerian Customs. Earlier this year, he revealed instances of officials allegedly stealing bags of seized rice and selling them for millions. In another report, Soyombo accused a powerful smuggler, IBD Dende, of trafficking illegal drugs, supported by video evidence. However, his exposé led to him being declared wanted by authorities.

Soyombo’s dedication to investigative journalism has made him a prominent and controversial figure in Nigeria, especially after his 2019 undercover story where he voluntarily got arrested and spent eight days in a Nigerian prison, later exposing alleged corruption within the prison system.

Public reactions have been swift, with Nigerians praising Soyombo for his courage and calling for his safety amid fears of retaliation. Many Nigerians, however, voiced skepticism that Customs or other authorities would act on the information, citing past instances where his revelations went unaddressed.

As of now, Nigerian Customs has not issued an official statement in response to Soyombo’s allegations.

Nigerians are hoping this latest exposé will lead to meaningful action rather than the usual silence.
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