Customs Shooting: Ogun Realtor Demands ₦50m Compensation, Threatens Legal Action

A real estate entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, Ambassador (Dr.) Babatunde Adeyemo, has demanded ₦50 million as compensation from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for losses incurred after an officer allegedly shot at his vehicle.

The compensation, according to his legal counsel, Barrister Ogugbara, covers the loss of critical data and the cost of rebuilding it, as well as the replacement of his Mercedes Benz G.L450, either in cash or a suitable substitute.

In a petition addressed to the Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos, Barr. Ogugbara warned that legal action would follow if the demands were not met.

The incident occurred on December 8 along the Imasayi-Abeokuta road, where Adeyemo's vehicle was struck by a bullet from a Customs officer’s firearm. The entrepreneur credited his laptop, which was in the car, for saving his life from the stray bullet.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service has acknowledged the incident, stating that the officer responsible has been identified, detained, and is awaiting disciplinary action.

Customs Public Relations Officer for the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, CSC Theophilus Duniya, in a statement, said, “The command frowns at incidents of misconduct and remains committed to professionalism and discipline. A disciplinary committee has been launched to investigate the matter.”

Duniya further disclosed that the Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, Kola Oladeji, has ordered the immediate replacement of the damaged laptop and repair of the vehicle.

He added, “The prompt response of the service demonstrates Customs’ dedication to making amends and ensuring that such incidents are thoroughly addressed.”

Adeyemo, however, maintains that until his demands for full compensation are met, legal action remains a viable course. “This is not just about material loss but about holding the service accountable for the actions of its personnel,” his counsel emphasized.