A series of viral videos circulating on social media depict IBD Dende, reputed as the most notorious smuggler in the South West, issuing threats to a Customs officer who intercepted his illicit contraband.
In the footage, Dende threatened violence against an officer identified as an Assistant Superintendent of Customs.
The videos have sparked widespread concern and raised questions about the pervasive influence of smuggling networks in the region.
Despite the presence of armed Customs officers in the footage, witnesses allege that those carrying firearms were in league with Dende, implying a systemic corruption within the agency.
Dende’s brazen behavior in the videos includes references to individuals purportedly involved in facilitating his illicit activities, including a Customs official named Ejigbunu and another referred to as Wale, allegedly Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs.
Dende’s audacity to challenge the Customs officer regarding the unchecked entry of contraband from Seme further underscores the deep-rooted issues within Nigeria’s law enforcement and border control mechanisms.
The videos have drawn condemnation from various quarters, with calls for a thorough investigation into the matter.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by Nigerian authorities in combating smuggling and organized crime syndicates operating across the country’s borders.
Efforts to reach Dende for comment have been unsuccessful, but the videos serve as a stark reminder of the urgency to address systemic corruption and strengthen law enforcement to safeguard national security and economic interests.
