Nigeria Customs Service has described as untrue a story published by Lagos-based periodical, ‘This Page’ under the headline, “Customs Officers in soup over Donkey skin export.”
The spokesman for the Customs, Joseph Attah, described the story as a figment of the writer’s imagination.
The Customs imagemaker however confirmed that investigation was ongoing on the unlawful donkey export business.
Attah described as untrue the allegations that a report of the investigation was submitted and rejected for another committee to investigate due to compromise.
“I have read that story and can say that some paragraphs in that story are a figment of the writer’s imagination. Nothing can be farther from the truth. If he (the writer) is doing that alone or with a group of people, that is yet to be verified.
“Three months ago when the reporter called me in respect of the story, I informed him that the matter was under investigation. I also told him that the report of the investigation had not yet been submitted.
“How he came about the twist that the report has been submitted, rejected and going further to drag the name and exalted office of a Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) into the falsehood, appears far fetched. Even writing that the report was rejected because someone was compromised , is very malicious.
“I can confirm to you that the publication is false and very libelous. We are studying it and appropriate action will be taken. As a service, we take strong exception at any individual journalist, who throws truth, professionalism and fairness to the wind.
“This ,has no doubt ,crossed the limits of responsible journalism. I can confirm to you that the Federal Operations Unit in Lagos made two seizures of donkey skin in different locations under different circumstances
“Like in every seizure, investigation usually follows and this case is not different. There is nothing unusual about investigations of seizures
“The report drew irresponsible conjectures which are not in line with our cherished values and much nurtured relationship with the media. We know there are so many journalists out there who do the right thing and support the Nigeria Customs to succeed.
“We are taking very serious look at it and findings will determine appropriate action to be taken on the issue. We call on members of the public to discountenance the report . I also wish to clearly state that the Nigeria Customs Service, under the present management will never sweep any case under the carpet.”
