The Department of Military Intelligence (DMI) and the British High Commission have commenced investigations into the illegal importation of military wares at the PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, taking over the case from the Department of State Secret Service (SSS).
A suspect who was arrested in connection with the lethal cargoes; Mr. Emmanuel Eko has also been transferred into the custody of military intelligence by the Controller of the PTML Customs command; Mr. Folorunsho Adegoke when the military came to the command last week Friday.
The Department of Military Intelligence (DMI) and the British High Commission have commenced investigations into the illegal importation of military wares at the PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, taking over the case from the Department of State Secret Service (SSS).
A suspect who was arrested in connection with the lethal cargoes; Mr. Emmanuel Eko has also been transferred into the custody of military intelligence by the Controller of the PTML Customs command; Mr. Folorunsho Adegoke when the military came to the command last week Friday.
Earlier, the British High Commission had also indicated interests in the case by sending one of its officials (names withheld) who confirmed that the suspect, Mr. Emmanuel Eko held dual citizenship, and was indeed a British citizen as well as a Nigerian.
While handing the suspect over to a team of Military Intelligence officers led by one Lieutenant Y.M Gana, the PTML Customs boss stated that, "the right department to take over this kind of issue is actually the military intelligence".
Speaking with journalists in Lagos last Wednesday after making the arrest, Controller Adegoke had said that the military wares which were found in a Volkswagen bus included Camouflage uniforms, military jackets, military helmets,berets, boots, rain coats, armored jackets, communication radio jackets, face masks, ear protectors among others
Speaking, Controller Folorunsho had explained that "It is the practice that when we have military wares, they are normally imported by military officers and they will write a letter to our headquarters to that effect, and when the goods come, they are always on ground to receive them"
"When you look at the list, one tends to suspect foul play, more so the person bringing it is just an individual as far as the country is concerned, hence the need to do a thorough check on the consignment"
Considering the security challenge in the country, the Customs boss pointed out that the military wares could be used to wreck havoc on Nigerians, even as he noted that terrorists now dress like solders.
However, even though he had admitted to journalists last Wednesday that he actually imported the said military wares, the suspect, Emmnauel Eko last week denied the allegation.
Eko had stated on Wednesday that he imported the consignment and that he was not aware of any procedure required before making such importation.
But while speaking on Friday, he said:"I came into Lagos last Wednesday and the information they gave to me was that they found four camouflages in my vehicle, it was cleared on that Wednesday and released by Assistant Controller Musa", he stated.
"When I came in here on Friday, the vehicle was at the gate, it was already leaving the gate when they told me that they found uniforms, so I came in here with them and they said they were going to search the vehicle, when I came on Saturday Morning, the car was already broken into", he claimed.
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