Seme Customs dismisses viral claim of rice-related fatalities
Seme, Lagos — May 11, 2025
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has firmly refuted circulating claims suggesting that several deaths, including that of a soldier in Badagry, were caused by poisoned rice allegedly seized and distributed by the Command.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, the Command described the allegation as “entirely false, misleading, and unfounded,” asserting that it does not reflect the true circumstances of any activity within its jurisdiction.
The purported report alleged that the Command confiscated and distributed bags of rice without the consent of the supposed owner, who allegedly invoked traditional powers that resulted in multiple deaths. However, the NCS has described the story as fictitious and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.
According to the Customs Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, the Command strictly follows the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the Nigeria Customs Service in the disposal of seized items, in line with transparency, legal guidelines, and due process.
“There has been no report within our Area of Responsibility (AoR), nor among our personnel, that supports the claim of any fatality resulting from the consumption of rice linked to this Command,” Sulaiman stated.
He also criticized individuals posing as journalists for propagating the baseless narrative, accusing them of using the respected profession to spread fear and falsehood rather than uphold public trust and integrity.
The Command urged members of the public to disregard the rumor and resist the spread of misinformation that could disrupt public peace or damage the reputation of security agencies.
Under the leadership of Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, PhD, the Seme Area Command reiterated its commitment to its core mandates—revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and facilitation of legitimate trade—in strict compliance with the nation’s fiscal laws.
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