The Osun State Police Command has arrested and detained two officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), identified as Kolawole Suuti and Danjuma Samuel over a fatal shooting incident that left a driver dead in Osogbo, the state capital.
The sad incident reportedly occurred on Sunday in the Dada Estate area of Osogbo.
Disturbing videos from scenes of fatal shooting involving officials of the Nigeria Customs Service on Sunday along Osogbo–Iwo Road in Osun State
Driver of the vehicle was allegedly shot dead by Custom officials who were chasing after him (deceased driver) from Iwo end of the road pic.twitter.com/XRtAsSMj3f— NewsClick Nigeria Media (@NewsClickng) March 16, 2026
According to reports, the embattled Customs officials attached to the Oyo/Osun Area Command patrol team were on routine enforcement duty within the Osogbo axis, attempting to intercept suspected smuggled foreign-used vehicles (Tokunbo).
However, while one of the drivers escaped, the other was reportedly shot dead.
Video clips from scene of the accident obtained by NewsClick Nigeria showed an empty ash-coloured Toyota Corolla riddled with bullets and blood stains.
He was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital. His body has since been deposited in the hospital morgue, while his identity has yet to be confirmed.
However, some residents told NewsClick Nigeria that the route is renowned for being a haven of illegal Police and Customs operations where officials openly request for bribes from motorists.
“This route is their usual hideout. Both Customs and Police patrol team come here daily. They do all sorts of illegal operations here. They waylay motorists, motorcyclists to demand bribe and anyone of them who dares to challenge them is either arrested or harassed. We’ve severally called the attention of government to it to no avail. We hope they will look into it now that an avoidable tragedy has happened,” a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said.
Police commence probe
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has assured the public of a transparent and thorough investigation into the incident.
The assurance was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid. The police acknowledged growing public concern over the incident and the reaction from the Customs Service.
The police said while it recognises the statutory responsibilities of the NCS in anti-smuggling operations, it remains guided by the principle that the sanctity of human life must always be upheld.
According to the statement, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu has taken note of the Customs Service’s call for a harmonised investigation and assured both the agency and the public that the probe—currently being handled by the Osun State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID)—will be conducted with the highest level of forensic diligence.
Recovered exhibits, including a Beretta pistol with breech number 125024 and 9mm ballistic evidence, are undergoing specialised forensic analysis as investigators work to establish the facts and determine whether the actions taken complied with established Rules of Engagement.
The Force emphasised that the relationship between the police and the Customs Service remains professional and strong, warning against attempts to portray the tragic incident as an inter-agency conflict.
“The NPF and NCS maintain a robust, professional relationship. This incident is being treated as a matter of individual professional accountability,” the statement said.
The police also urged the public to avoid sensationalising the matter, noting that both agencies remain committed to ensuring justice for the deceased.
The Force further extended condolences to the victim’s family and pledged that the outcome of the investigation would reflect the rule of law and the principles of justice under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Our men were on routine enforcement duty – Customs
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Service while reacting to the incident said its officers were on routine enforcement duty.
The command said it deeply regretted the loss of life and extended condolences to the family of the deceased, while reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that enforcement operations are carried out with professionalism and respect for human life.
The Customs Service also stated that it has begun its own internal review of the incident, including an audit of the operational mandates of the officers involved, to determine whether their actions complied with the service’s Rules of Engagement.
It added that while the NCS maintains a strong working relationship with the Nigeria Police Force, it supports a harmonised and objective investigation that will consider all forensic evidence, including the origin of the discharged ammunition.