The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service is in trouble for allegedly selling-off part if the land allocated to her by the Federal Government.
At the establishment of this anti-smuggling unit customs in the early 1970s, its headquarters which is situated along the Ibafon creek, adjacent Coconut area of Olodi-Apapa, Lagos, was reportedly allocated a land mass of about 10 acres. Sources said the land was initially owned by the Oluwo family of Olodi-Apapa.
Recent investigations have however revealed that there is high-level encroachment into the customs’ land by residents living in the area.
History of encroachment on this land belonging to the federal government began when the Lagos State government under Lateef Jakande took some parts of it and established primary and secondary schools. Ibru Group was also said to have operated on the land, but later abandoned it.
Sources accused corrupt officers serving at the command of allegedly unlawfully selling the land to encroachers.
Besides customs personnel accused of selling the land, land speculators operating in the area, including the ‘Baales’ were equally accused of being part of the racket.
Shipping Position Daily could not speak with the Baales who were absent during enquiry, but palace sources who spoke on condition of anonymity blamed the development on customs leadership who feigned ignorant of such unlawful activity, and hence encouraged encroachment on the government property.
Observers said those who had a hand in the illicit deal ensured that the current fence in the area came too close to government buildings and thereby allow more space for their private commercial ventures.
The Customs Comptroller in-charge of the command, Musa Sarkin-Kebbi, was said to have, on assumption of office received marching order from the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali, to unravel those behind the sale of customs’ land.
The command’s spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Customs E. Tangwa, who confirmed that his boss is currently looking into the development, added that investigation was yet to reveal whether parts of the land encroached upon belonged to serving customs personnel.
He declined further comments on the issue, but assured that Comptroller Sarkin-kebbi would leave no stone unturned to ensure the recovery of government property at the conclusion of investigation into the matter.
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