Renowned political commentator, Aisha Yesufu, has expressed her dismay over the recent viral video depicting IBD Dende threatening a customs officer who seized his smuggled goods.
In light of recent events, IBD Dende has been thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, with emerging videos corroborating allegations of his involvement in smuggling activities, which have purportedly contributed to his accumulation of immense wealth.
IBD Dende, known to enjoy the support of influential figures such as IGP Egbetekon, Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Bashir, and his close ties to President Tinubu, has sparked widespread condemnation due to his illicit financial practices.
The incident captured on video, dating back to January, precedes FIJ’s recent undercover investigation, which exposed the collusion between customs officials and smugglers, shedding light on the pervasive smuggling facilitated by corrupt practices within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
In response to FIJ’s groundbreaking exposé titled ‘Undercover as a Smuggler,’ Dende vehemently denied any involvement in smuggling, accusing FIJ of engaging in character assassination.
However, the controversy deepened when FIJ obtained video footage showcasing Dende’s altercation with a customs officer identified as Rotimi. In the video, a visibly agitated Dende can be heard issuing threats against Rotimi, invoking dire consequences.
Despite Dende’s intimidating demeanor and armed entourage, the customs officers present attempted to de-escalate the situation, urging him to calm down.
Further investigation by FIJ uncovered alarming details regarding the extensive network of corruption within the NCS, implicating high-ranking officials, including Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and Comptroller Hussein Ejigbunu.
The video serves as damning evidence of Dende’s brazen attempts to influence customs operations to facilitate his smuggling activities, underscoring the entrenched culture of corruption within the agency.
