Following the alleged killing of one Godwin Onoja by operatives of the Federal Operations Unit, (FOU) A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Sunday in Ogun State, the service has detained four of its officers over the incident.

In a press statement obtained by our correspondent, the national Public Relations Officer of the command, DC Joseph Attah, said the service was in touch with the bereaved family of the deceased.

According to Attah, the Comptroller General of the service, Hameed Ali (rtd), has set up a panel led by the Zonal Coordinator, to investigate the killing and vowed that any officer implicated in the killing would be dealt with accordingly.

Recall that a Customs officer, ASCI Destiny Onebamho, on Sunday shot dead a Customs friend in a heated argument with members of a passenger bus in an attempt to intercept bales of used clothing.

However, the Customs spokesman said: “Following the unfortunate incident on Sunday February 17, 2019, at Sagamu Interchange involving Operatives of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, which led to the death of a fellow citizen, Mr. Godwin Agada Onoja, the Nigeria Customs 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. Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd), has directed a thorough investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident with the view to ensuring that justice is served.”

The PRO, who assured that the outcome of the panel would be made public for all Nigerians, further stated that the officers whose rifle discharged would also face the panel as soon as he was fit.

“In line with this directive, the investigation panel headed by the Zonal Coordinator Zone A, ACG Kaycee Ekekezie, has interrogated and detained four members of the patrol team.

“The panel could not immediately conclude the investigation because the actual officer (ASCI Destiny Onebamho) whose riffle discharged is presently receiving medical attention as a result of attack following the unfortunate incident. He will face the panel as soon as he is fit to do so, to enable the panel to conclude investigations and recommend appropriate action(s).

“NCS is a reputable organisation known for integrity and responsibility. In line with our corporate values, we will not shield any operative found wanting in this ongoing investigation. The service appreciates the public concern and strong emotions drawn from the viral video with narratives that created various opinions.”

Nigerians will recall that in 2017, the service made public its investigation and dismissal of five officers implicated in the illegal release of the 661-pump action rifles from Apapa Port. The dismissed officers were immediately handed over for prosecution alongside the importer and agent. A prosecution is ongoing at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi Lagos.

•Sourced from a Daily Sun report

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