Controversy has emerged over the seizure of firearms by Customs at Onne Port after the suspect’s family alleged a cover-up.

The recent seizure of 844 firearms at Onne Port in Rivers State has sparked a storm of controversy, with allegations of cover-ups and selective justice circulating within the Nigerian Customs Service.

Firearms found in a shipment handled by Max Logistics were recovered at the premises of a private terminal operator at the port, raising questions about how such a large number of firearms could have passed through customs undetected.

Mr Maxwell Orogodo, the manager of Max Logistics, finds himself at the centre of this ongoing drama. His family alleges that he has been unfairly targeted while the top brass avoids accountability. According to a relative of Orogodo, who spoke to Ripples Nigeria on condition of anonymity, the chain of events leading to Orogodo’s arrest raises serious concerns about the procedural integrity of the Customs Service.

“When the cargo arrived about three weeks ago, there was no sign of firearms during the initial inspection,” Orogodo’s relative said. “Customs officers inspected the container, believing it contained iron doors and furniture. It was only later, during subsequent inspections, that the firearms were discovered at Max Logistics’ private terminal.”

The family argues that Orogodo cooperated fully with authorities after the firearms were recovered, facilitating searches and providing access as necessary. However, instead of being treated as a cooperative party in assisting the investigation, Orogodo is reportedly being detained while his employer, Mr. Ajala Ojo Wahab, CEO of Max Logistics, allegedly remains at large.

“There was clearly a malfunction somewhere,” Orogodo’s nephew continued. “The weapons didn’t just show up at a private terminal. They went through customs at the port. The question is, who cleared the containers? Who were the customs officers involved?”

The family alleges Wahab’s influence protected him from arrest, despite his company’s role in the incident. They claim Customs even had the nerve to assign Wahab to track down firearms importers, a task they say was beyond his authority.

“Mr Wahab acted with impunity,” Orogodo’s nephew said. “He ignored pleas from his family and lawyers, refusing to speak to them while Orogodo was in custody. This selective justice reeks of corruption and favoritism.”

To further complicate matters, the family said Orogodo was suddenly transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) without notification to his lawyers or family. Repeated attempts to visit him have been denied, raising concerns about his welfare and legal rights.

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“We don’t even know if he ate or how he is doing,” Orogodo’s relatives lamented. “Meanwhile, those truly responsible seem to evade justice.”

According to him, Wahab facilitated the release of two other Max Logistics employees who were arrested with Orogodo because he did not want to provoke anger from local residents.

He also disclosed that his family was aware that one of the importers had been arrested and transferred to Abuja. However, he suspected that a powerful individual from Anambra State was trying to secure his release.

The family’s frustration is palpable as they try to understand why Orogodo, a low-level employee, faces prolonged detention while those in power walk free. They question the motives behind Orogodo’s detention, and voice suspicions that some customs officials may be protecting their own interests.

“We demand transparency,” Orogodo’s relatives said. “If customs officers are involved in arms smuggling, they must be held accountable. Mr. Wahab cannot escape scrutiny just because of his wealth and connections.”

As the investigation continues, with the suspects reportedly transferred to Abuja, the Orogodo family remains steadfast in their quest for justice. They hope that the revelation of these alleged irregularities will lead to a just resolution and accountability for all parties involved.

Calls to Mr. Wahab’s phone number went unanswered, while WhatsApp messages sent to him went unanswered.

Attempts to get a response from the Nigerian Customs Service were also unsuccessful.

The story that unfolded at Onne Port is a stark reminder of the challenges facing regulatory oversight and judicial fairness in Nigeria, where the influence of wealth and power often overshadows efforts to uphold justice.

Controversy trails Customs seizure of firearms at Onne Port as suspects’ families allege cover-up first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.