The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expressed readiness to support Okó Opó Foundation in its agenda to uplift the widows, children and the less privileged members of the society.
This was disclosed on Thursday after a conciliatory meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, Ambassador (Dr) Babatunde Adeyemo and senior officials of the NCS in his Estate office, Laderin, Abeokuta.
Ogunwatch reported that on December 8, 2024, Adeyemo narrowly escaped death along the Ibara-Orile area of Ogun State when a gun-totting Customs operative shot at his vehicle while returning from the grand finale of the Ibese Asakanran Day festival.
Following the near-fatal gunshot event, the real estate guru objected, threatened to sue the NCS, and sought N50 million in compensation.
Speaking at the meeting, a Deputy Superintendent of Customs named Mr. Kaffu Samuel thanked God that no one was killed in the shooting incident and pleaded with Adeyemo to temper justice with mercy, pointing out that the NCS was prepared to replace the items that had been destroyed in the shooting.
One of the officers, Adejumo Gafar, said the Customs delegation came to plead on behalf of the erring operative and that the outcome of the parley will determine his fate.
Also Mr. Olabode Akinola, an Assistant Comptroller of Customs, reiterated the NCS zero tolerance to misconduct saying that, depending on the seriousness of the offence and the officer’s rank, any officer found guilty of misconduct faces the proper punishment, which may include termination and even prosecution.
Responding , the. pelican boss forgave the trigger-happy officer, adding that he wouldn’t be collecting any compensation either.
Adeyemo who doubles as the founder of Okó Opó Foundation, also pleaded with the NCS and its leadership to give the officer a “second chance” and “not relieve him of his job” over the professional misconduct.
He said, “In a country where many youths are either into Yahoo or planning Japa, we need to continue to encourage those who are willing to work legitimately.
“ Hence, we don’t have to throw away the baby with the bath water. Blessing, I believe, had learnt his lessons. He should go and sin no more”.
However, the Pelican boss stated that in order to encourage good behaviour and positive values among the youth, the NCS should to focus public awareness campaigns over enforcement alone and look for Nigerians who live honourable lives as its civilian brand ambassadors.
He opined that compliance is the only way for Customs to increase income.
The Legal Consultant to Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, Barr. Michael Figbele, stated that the meeting was meant to explore amicable settlement as there was no grudge against the culprit.
Figbele pointed out that if his client had wanted to escalate the matter, actions would have since been taken, adding that a letter previously written to the Customs headquarters in Abuja was done in pursuit of peace.
Some of those in attendance at the meeting were Mr Ayobami Akanji (IAS), Alhaji Ismaheel Tayese (an Owu Chief), Omoba Owolabi Adepega (Baale Ojo), Mr Olabode Akinola (Assistant Customs Comptroller), Mr Ismaheel Alarape (NCS Superintendent Officer) and Mr Kaffu Samuel (Deputy Superintendent Customs, Lagos).
