Maritime police washes hands of extortion allegation by uninformed terminal operators, others

…says false publication orchestrated by dismissed, disgruntled Customs agents

….Maintains that its policy statement on blind to corruption stands irrevocable

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Maritime Police Command, AIG Susan U. Akem-Horsfall has expressed her displeasure over what she termed fallacious and misleading news going round the social and online media on extortion in Maritime Police Command, Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos.

AIG Horsfall

The AIG dismissed in very strong terms as absolute falsehood and denigrating to the force under her command and the able leadership of the new Inspector- General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

In a release signed by ASP Ehinmode Rowland, Acting Police Public Relations Officer, Maritime Police Command, Lagos made available to Nation Update, said upon assumption of office of the AIG on the 24th July, 2023, she lectured officers and men of the command on the need to be professional and diligent in their duties.

“AIG Susan Akem-Horsfall, upon her resumption stated her negative stance against corruption and extortion under any guise, and that she will not hesitate in taking disciplinary measures against any officer found culpable.

“This was further stated on the 1st of August, 2023 when the AIG met with Terminal/Ports Operators in her office where she reiterated her zero tolerance for corruption in any form and that she operates an open door policy with zeal to receive in audience anyone who feel disgruntled, unfairly treated or extorted by any personnel of the Command. She stated further that such misconduct will be met with severe sanctions. This was further avowed to members of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Enforcement and Complaints Unit who paid her a courtesy visit on Tuesday 15th August, 2023.

“It is embarrassing, shameful and ridiculous to read such falsehood, unverified and mendacious publications being peddled by some uninformed news agencies and Terminal operators who did not consider it necessary to verify their information before publication.

A typical Containers obstructing access at Lagos terminals

“It is important to state that, container blockage at the terminals or shipping companies by personnel of the Command are based on verified intelligence gathering over wrong or under declaration of cargoes, Forgery of Release Documents, Conspiracy on the part of some clearing agents and officers of allied Forces to sabotage the economy, thereby causing loss of revenue to the Federal government of Nigeria among many other offenses and at no time has any personnel of the Command demanded money or gratification from anyone before containers are released upon conclusion of investigation.

“It is pertinent to state that Terminal operators like TIncan Island Container Terminal (TICT) is in connivance with some fraudulent clearing agents to sabotage the economic wellbeing of the nation, which the AIG has vowed to nip in the bud. A case in hand was that of the TICT managers’ refusal to receive letters to release containers under investigation placed on liens to the Police to enable it conclude investigation that has been on since 2017. Even after several letters of invitation were sent to them for discussions, this particular Terminal failed to honour our invitation. This is considered an affront on the Nigeria Police Force and the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Maritime Command.

“The Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Horsfall, therefore advised the public to disregard the wrong narratives by the publishers of these fake news and the utterances of the so called disgruntled and dismissed ANCLA member nicknamed “June 12” known for stealing at Car Park C and his cohort who are bent on perpetuating evil at the Ports as the wrath of the law will soon catch up with them and any attempt to bring to disrepute her image or person will not be allowed,” he concluded.

It will be recalled that during her first media briefing on resumption of duty on the 25th of July, 2023, Horsfall read riot act to men and officers of the command against corruption, werein she again said, “you must give your all to the service of motherland, you are required to ensure diligence, energy, and professionalism in discharging your roles; you must be blind to bribery and corruption.”

The AIG at the said event, assured that the force will take welfare of her men and officers into consideration and very seriously too to encourage them for diligent and optimal performance, adding there would always be attractive rewards for gallantry.