The comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, Dalha Wada-Chedi, has handed over the officer alleged to have extorted N500,000 from a car buyer, Muhammad Ahmad, to the Customs Police Unit.

The officer allegedly committed the offence along Mokwa-Jebba Road in Niger and was handed over on Monday to the Assistant Provost Marshal (APM) of the unit in Kaduna.

The comptroller, while addressing journalists on the premises of the unit, confirmed that the suspected officer involved in this unwholesome act was an operative of the unit deployed to the Mokwa Patrol Team.

Mr Wada-Chedi said the incident occurred in the early hours of last Thursday, according to the complainant.

He said that upon hearing about the extortion, he directed the police unit to apprehend the officer and move him to the unit’s headquarters in Kaduna for interrogation.

“Also, the complainant was invited to assist in the investigation as well.

“The comptroller general of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team frowned at such unruly behaviour. As such, the disciplinary committee will be diligent and firm,” he stated.

According to Mr Wada-Chedi, the officer was handed over to the APM Customs Police Unit for further investigation.

He added, “This unprofessional and ungodly act will not be condoned.

“We are deeply concerned and assure the general public that the matter will be treated with the deserved vigour, decisiveness and transparency.”

The comptroller promised that the investigation would be concluded as soon as possible, adding, “Justice and a fair hearing will be ensured.”

(NAN)