Ambassador Babatunde Adeyemo, a prominent real estate entrepreneur, has made a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the reckless use of guns by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) operatives against civilians.
Adeyemo’s plea comes after he narrowly escaped being shot dead by Customs operatives in Ogun State on December 8, 2024.
During his address on Boxing Day, Adeyemo urged the President to initiate accountability measures to check the excesses of NCS operatives, particularly on highways. He also called on the National Assembly and other relevant authorities to investigate the numerous allegations of vicious attacks by Customs officials in various Ogun communities.
Adeyemo’s ordeal is a chilling reminder of the dangers posed by reckless law enforcement agents. His vehicle was shot at by Customs operatives just five seconds after passing a checkpoint, with the bullet piercing through the back of his vehicle and damaging the back seat. It’s a miracle he escaped unharmed.
The real estate entrepreneur’s appeal is not just about his personal experience but also about the wider implications of such reckless behavior by law enforcement agents. He emphasized that the government must take concrete steps to address this issue, including compensating victims and reforming the Customs service to align with global best practices.
Adeyemo’s foundation, Oko Opo Foundation, has been empowering widows, orphans, and the less privileged in society. His commitment to fighting for justice and accountability is truly commendable. Let’s hope that President Tinubu and the relevant authorities take Adeyemo’s appeal seriously and take concrete actions to address this critical issue.
