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Nigerian Customs Deputy Comptroller Alajogun Flouts Retirement Rules, Still In Office Months After February Terminal Leave Deadline —Sources

Published

6 months ago

June 4, 2025

A senior official, Deputy Comptroller General Olaniyi Adisa Alajogun, has been accused of breaching service codes by remaining in office beyond the statutory retirement age of 60.

An investigation has revealed a disregard for the law within the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).

A senior official, Deputy Comptroller General Olaniyi Adisa Alajogun, has been accused of breaching service codes by remaining in office beyond the statutory retirement age of 60.

Sources within the Customs Service told SaharaReporters that Alajogun, who turned 60 on May 23, 2025, was due to retire fully on that same day.

A copy of the Customs statutory retirement list for 2025, exclusively obtained by SaharaReporters, confirms that Alajogun (Service number 39279) was born on May 23, 1965, and began his service on August 31, 1990.

The document indicates that he was supposed to retire on May 23, 2025, citing age as the retirement condition. It also states that he should have gone on pre-retirement leave as of February 23, 2025.

However, sources allege that Alajogun has continued to act as if he were still an active member of the service, overseeing enforcement, inspection, and investigation activities despite having reached the mandatory retirement age.

“He was due for pre-retirement leave on February 23

, 2025, and full retirement on May 23, 2025,” one of the sources said.

“But Alajogun is still signing documents, and still carrying out his duties among others which should not happen.

“This is a total disregard for the laws guiding the Customs Service. His continued stay in office is setting a bad precedent, especially in the customs service,” said a dissatisfied staff member.

A Nigeria Customs Service circular dated May 7, 2025, with reference number HRD/2024/046, listed the names of officers who were either due for retirement or set to retire soon.

The document, signed by M.A. Yusuf, Acting Comptroller of Establishment, on behalf of the Deputy Comptroller-General (HRD), read: “I am directed to forward the attached list on the above subject matter as pre-retirement notice to all affected officers.

“In accordance with the Public Service Rule (PSR) No. 100238 and Federal Government circular No.63216/S.I/X/T; CR1/2001/5 of 20/03/2001, all affected officers due for retirement in 2025 are to disengage from the active service and proceed on three (3) months pre-retirement leave, three months to the effective date of retirement.

“All affected officers are to ensure compliance and forward their three months pre-retirement notice to the Comptroller General of Customs accordingly.

“Any observed error, omission or legitimate complaints should be forwarded to the office of the Comptroller General of Customs through the Deputy Comptroller General (HRD) on or before 30th Jul, 2024.

“Zonal Coordinators, Area Controllers and Unit Heads are requested to make the list available for circulation to all the affected officers in their respective Zones, Areas and Units.”

“This publication is for circulation within the Service,” it added.

The situation has raised concerns among staff about the integrity of the institution and created fertile ground for corruption, particularly in light of the controversial tenure of Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who himself is reportedly due for retirement but has remained in office.

In February, the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions summoned Adeniyi to explain why some senior officers of the Service had refused to retire upon reaching the mandatory retirement age.

This development followed the review of a petition submitted by the Obasi-Pherson Help Foundation, which alleged that certain Assistant Comptrollers and Comptrollers were due for retirement but had blatantly refused to leave the service.

A statement issued by the Head of Media, House Committee on Public Petitions, Chooks Oko, named the affected officers as Imam, Umar, and Egwu, all Assistant Comptrollers, and Awe, Fatia, and Faith, all Comptrollers.

Issuing the summons, the Committee emphasized that the Comptroller-General, as a public officer, had a responsibility to clarify the situation to the Nigerian public.

“In this era, when most of our youths are seeking employment, it is unfair for those due for retirement to refuse to leave,” the Chairman of the Committee on Public Petitions, Mike Etaba, was quoted as saying.

Contrary to the Public Service Rules (PSR), FIJ exclusively reported in December 2024 that President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) under Adewale Adeniyi had extended the service years of 12 senior officers who were already due for retirement.

Among the beneficiaries of this extension were Michael Awe, the Comptroller of the Murtala Muhammed Cargo Command; Baba Imam, an Assistant Comptroller of Customs and Secretary to the NCS Board; Kayode Kolade, the Comptroller of the Seme Area Command; and Umar Isah Gusau, an Assistant Comptroller of Customs. These officers were supposed to have commenced their compulsory three-month pre-retirement leave, as stipulated by the PSR.

In June 2024, documents obtained by SaharaReporters revealed that Adewale Adeniyi had claimed two different dates of birth in various official documents at different times.

The documents showed that Adeniyi had used these different birth dates at various stages of his career to manipulate the system to his advantage.

For instance, when he was employed by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in 1981, the customs boss listed January 19, 1964, as his date of birth on his curriculum vitae. He also used the same birth date when he applied for employment with the Nigerian Customs Service in 1990.

The documents revealed the customs boss turned 60 on January 19, 2024, by which time he should have retired based on public service rules.

Adeniyi now claims that he was born on January 13, 1966, in his curriculum vitae.

“He is still in service because he falsified his date of birth by changing it from January 19, 1964 to January 13, 1966,” a source told SaharaReporters at the time.

“If going by his real age, he should have retired from the federal service in January but he used his position and connections to falsify, alter and manipulate his records to attain this position.”

As if that was not enough, the documents also revealed that Adeniyi altered his years of service to remain in customs service.

He graduated from secondary school in 1979 when he took the West African School Certificate Examination and was employed into the service of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in 1981 as a Public Relations Assistant.

Adeniyi worked as a public servant at the NRC from November 1981 to 1990 from where he was employed in the service of the NCS.

The documents showed he included his nine years of public service experience in his documentation form with the customs.

Adeniyi while documenting for the customs job in 1990 in ‘Details Of Employment Since Leaving School,’ wrote, “Nigerian Railway Corporation November 1981 to Date.”

His customs staff information form is numbered 39554. He was appointed into the customs service on 2-11-1990 as ASC (Assistant Superintendent of Customs).

Other information provided by Adeniyi showed he attended the University of Ife from October 1983 to June 1987, where he obtained a BSc in International Relations and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism from July 1989 to September 1989, and also from May 1990 to May 1990.

He also disclosed that he earned a certificate in Basic, Advanced Public Relations in 1989, adding that he learnt to speak French at Alliance Francaise in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He said he attended Modakeke High School from September 1974 to June 1979 and Ejigbo Baptist High School from September 1980 to June 1981.

Meanwhile, the Customs boss has denied the allegations.

In a statement issued last year, Adeniyi denied the reports that he had falsified his age, describing them as untrue.

He said the report might be aimed at distracting him but he would remain focused and committed to leading NCS well.

Sources within the Customs Service say that officers are increasingly frustrated, fueling discontent that could potentially escalate to strike action. Many feel the promotion system has become skewed, with allegations that Adewale is running the NCS as a personal enterprise or “household affair.”

This perception is reinforced by the widespread belief that only those who align with his interests are favored for promotion, fostering a culture of nepotism and disillusionment among the ranks.

When SaharaReporters reached out to the spokesman for the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, for reaction, he simply said in a text message, “I am not aware of this development.”

Columns

Charlie archibong akwa ibom man the deadliest Biafra war lord

Published

56 minutes ago

December 9, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

“Brigadier Archong” (also referred to as Colonel Charlie Archibong) was a prominent Biafran commander during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), known for his bravery and key role in the Biafran invasion of the Midwest region.

Key Activities During the War

Midwest Invasion Commander: Colonel Archibong was the lead commander of the Biafran forces that invaded Nigeria’s Midwest region on August 9, 1967. His orders were to advance rapidly through the West and capture Dodan Barracks in Lagos within 48 hours. The advance was halted by a controversial retreat order from Brigadier Victor Banjo at Ore, which ultimately led to the failure of the offensive.

Ojukwu blamed himself for not letting achuzie or Charlie archibong lead the troops to capture Nigeria capital city Lagos after the Biafran capital city Enugu was attacked by the Nigerian, even after Charlie archibong territory fell to the Nigerian military Charlie archibong and his people mostly lead to lay a deadly ambush against the Nigerian army in Calabar and akwa ibom and pH and this action Also lead to the killing of innocent civilians by Nigeria army not only Asaba experienced massacred south south of today veteran can testify

Key Biafran Fighter: Archibong was considered one of General Odumegwu Ojukwu’s most trusted and gallant fighters. He was known by the nickname “Charlie Bazooka” and was respected for his zeal and determination.

Further Action: After the Midwest campaign, he saw more action around Ikot Ekpene.

Disappearance/Death: Archibong was reported missing after an officer-led reconnaissance operation, and his command headquarters waited in vain for his return. Sources suggest he may have been killed through internal sabotage within Biafra.

Archibong is remembered as a significant figure in the Biafran military, often appearing in historical photos alongside Ojukwu as a “war hero.

Columns

Orji Uzor Kalu

Published

1 week ago

November 29, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Orji Uzor Kalu MON (born 21 April 1960) is a prominent Nigerian politician, businessman, and former two-term governor of Abia State. He is widely recognized for his influence in both Nigeria’s political landscape and its private sector, particularly in media and diversified business enterprises.

Early Life and Education

Kalu was born in Abia State, where he grew up and began his early education. He later attended the University of Maiduguri but was suspended during a period of student activism. Despite the interruption, Kalu went on to build a successful entrepreneurial career before fully venturing into politics. Over the years, he completed various academic and executive programs, strengthening his profile as a businessman and public administrator.

Business Career

Before entering high-level politics, Kalu established himself as a successful entrepreneur. He is the Chairman of SLOK Holding, a business conglomerate with interests spanning:

trading

manufacturing

shipping

banking

oil and gas

His investments expanded both within Nigeria and internationally. Kalu also holds significant influence in the Nigerian media industry as the chairman and principal owner of The Daily Sun and New Telegraph, two widely circulated national newspapers. Through these enterprises, he has contributed to Nigeria’s media development, business growth, and employment generation.

Political Career

Kalu ventured into politics in the early 1990s. His major political breakthrough came in 1999, when he was elected Governor of Abia State, the first governor of the state under Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. He served two terms from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007.

During his governorship, Kalu focused on:

infrastructural development

education reforms

rural development

fiscal transparency

encouragement of local enterprise

He became known for his bold political style and his outspokenness on national issues. Kalu also played influential roles in national politics, aligning with various political parties at different times and serving as one of the notable political actors in Southeast Nigeria.

Senatorial Career

In 2019, Kalu was elected as the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate. In the Senate, he has participated in legislative debates, sponsored bills, and advocated for policies supporting economic growth, regional development, and national unity.

Legal Challenges

Kalu faced legal controversies regarding corruption allegations linked to his time as governor. He was convicted in 2019 by a Federal High Court; however, the Supreme Court later nullified the conviction, citing procedural errors and ordering a retrial. The development became one of the most widely discussed legal cases involving a high-ranking public official in Nigeria.

Honours and Recognition

Kalu holds the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON). His political and business careers have earned him recognition across Nigeria and beyond, while his strong media presence continues to shape public discourse.

Personal Life

He is married and has children. Kalu maintains a significant influence in both political and business circles and continues to be an active figure in Nigerian public life.

Columns

THE EXECUTION OF THE 1976 COUP PLOTTERS IN NIGERIA

Published

2 weeks ago

November 24, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

On Friday, February 13, 1976, Nigeria was shaken by a tragic and violent coup d’état led by Lieutenant Colonel Bukar Suka Dimka. The most devastating outcome of this failed coup was the assassination of the nation’s then Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed. He was gunned down in Ikoyi, Lagos, as he traveled unescorted to his office at the Dodan Barracks. His death sent shockwaves across the country and marked a dark chapter in Nigeria’s post-independence political history.

General Murtala Muhammed had only been in office for approximately 200 days, yet he was deeply admired for his bold reforms, anti-corruption stance, and efforts to return Nigeria to civilian rule. His untimely death sparked outrage, mourning, and swift retribution by the military establishment.

The coup, though partially successful in its initial hours, quickly collapsed. Loyalist forces, particularly those under the command of then Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Lieutenant General Olusegun Obasanjo, and General Theophilus Danjuma, regained control of strategic institutions. Dimka had temporarily seized the state radio to broadcast his justification for the coup, accusing the Muhammed regime of corruption and maladministration. However, his broadcast was cut short, and he fled Lagos.

Olusegun Obasanjo, after initial hesitation, accepted the call to leadership and succeeded Muhammed as Head of State. His new regime was determined to punish the conspirators severely and deter future insurrections. What followed was one of the most publicized military trials and mass executions in Nigerian history.

The Court-Martial and Executions

Over 100 military personnel and civilians were arrested in connection to the failed coup. Following military investigations and tribunals, dozens were convicted of plotting, aiding, or executing the coup attempt. The convicted officers were sentenced to death by firing squad, and the executions were carried out in two major rounds.

The first set of executions took place on March 11, 1976, at Bar Beach, Lagos, a location known at the time for public executions. Under the supervision of General Obasanjo’s military government, 31 individuals were executed, including senior officers, junior ranks, and one civilian. These included:

1. Major General I. D. Bisalla (former Commissioner for Defence)

2. Warrant Officer II Monday Monchon

3. Staff Sergeant Richard Dungdang

4. Sergeant Sale Pankshin

5. Lieutenant Colonel A. R. Aliyu

6. Captain M. Parvwong

7. Captain J. F. Idi

8. Captain S. Wakins

9. Lieutenant Mohammed

10. Lieutenant E. L. K. Shelleng

11. Lieutenant Colonel Ayuba Tense

12. Colonel A. D. S. Way

13. Lieutenant Colonel T. K. Adamu

14. Lieutenant Colonel A. B. Umaru

15. Captain A. A. Aliyu

16. Captain Augustine Dawurang

17. Major M. M. Mshelia

18. Lieutenant William Seri

19. Major I. B. Ribo

20. Major K. K. Gagra

21. Captain M. R. Gelip

22. Mr. Abdulkarim Zakari (a civilian who assisted in the radio broadcast)

23. Lieutenant Peter Ggani

24. Major Ola Ogunmekan

25. Lieutenant O. Zagmi

26. Lieutenant S. Wayah

27. Sergeant Ahmadu Rege

28. Sergeant Bala Javan

29. Warrant Officer II Sambo Dankshin

30. Warrant Officer II Emmanuel Dakup Seri

31. Major J. W. Kasai

A second round of executions took place between May 15 and 17, 1976, following the capture and trial of the coup leader and his key accomplices. This final round included:

32. Lieutenant Colonel Bukar Suka Dimka (leader of the coup)

33. Joseph D. Gomwalk (former Military Governor of Benue-Plateau State)

34. Lieutenant S. Kwale

35. Warrant Officer H. E. Bawa

36. Colonel I. Buka

37. Major J. K. Afolabi

38. H. Shaiyen

Dimka was captured after a nationwide manhunt and interrogation. During his trial, he remained defiant and refused to express remorse. His execution, along with the others, was carried out in secrecy, though public knowledge of it spread quickly.

These executions were meant to send a clear signal that treason and political instability would not be tolerated. While controversial, especially due to the scale and speed of the trials, the actions taken by the Obasanjo-led government reinforced military discipline and temporarily stabilized Nigeria’s political environment.

General Olusegun Obasanjo would go on to continue the reform agenda of the late Murtala Muhammed and, in 1979, became the first military leader in Nigeria to voluntarily hand over power to a democratically elected civilian government. This marked the beginning of Nigeria’s Second Republic.

The 1976 coup attempt remains one of Nigeria’s most defining political crises, remembered not only for the tragic loss of a visionary leader but also for the massive response it provoked from the military and the Nigerian public.