Seme: The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has firmly refuted allegations regarding the release of poisoned rice, which was reportedly seized from smugglers and linked to multiple deaths in the area. The command’s spokesperson, CSC Isah Sulaiman, addressed the claims in a statement, dismissing them as unfounded and baseless.
According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the controversy arose after reports suggested that contaminated rice allegedly released by the NCS had resulted in several fatalities, including that of a soldier. These unverified claims indicated that the rice was cursed by its original owner after being seized and redistributed without his knowledge.
Local sources have indicated that the rice, confiscated by the NCS, was allegedly released into the market without the owner’s consent. Sulaiman stated that the allegations included claims of the owner invoking traditional powers, purportedly leading to the deaths.
In response, Sulaiman emphasized that the narrative circulating is entirely false and misleading. He clarified that the command strictly adheres to NCS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the disposal of seized goods, ensuring transparency and compliance with relevant laws and guidelines. He asserted that no incidents within the command’s jurisdiction corroborate the claims of deaths linked to rice consumption.
Sulaiman further criticized certain individuals for spreading baseless accusations under the guise of journalism, which he claimed were intended to mislead the public. He urged the public to dismiss the false story and refrain from disseminating misinformation that could incite fear or damage the reputation of security agencies.
He reiterated the commitment of the Seme command, under the leadership of Dr. Ben Oramalugo, to its responsibilities of revenue generation, smuggling suppression, and facilitating legitimate trade in line with government policies and laws.
