Two Customs Officers Arrested for Fatal Shooting of Driver in Osogbo, Osun State
In a tragic incident that has shocked the community, two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service have been apprehended for allegedly shooting a driver dead in Osogbo, Osun State. The event unfolded on Sunday, March 15, 2026, during a high-speed chase of suspected foreign-used vehicles, commonly known as 'tokunbo' cars.
Details of the Incident
The fatal shooting occurred in the Dada Estate area of Osogbo, the state capital. According to Police Public Relations Officer Abiodun Ojelabi, the Customs officers were pursuing vehicles suspected of being illegally imported when the driver of an ash-colored Toyota Corolla was shot. The victim, whose identity remains unknown, was confirmed dead by a medical doctor at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital.
Ojelabi stated in a press release that police operatives responded swiftly to the report, leading to the arrest of the two officers involved: Kolawole Suuti and Danjuma Samuel. The body of the deceased has been deposited in a morgue pending further investigation.
Evidence Recovered from the Scene
During the operation, law enforcement officials discovered two vehicles at the scene:
- A white Toyota Corolla with Lagos registration number AAA 400 GQ
- An ash Toyota Corolla with registration number GFQ 0982
Additionally, several items were recovered, including a Beretta pistol with breech number 125024, 11 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, and one expanded 9mm shell. These pieces of evidence are expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation.
Police Response and Investigation
The Commissioner of Police for Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Gotan, has ordered a thorough investigation to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Ojelabi emphasized that the police are committed to ensuring justice, stating that anyone found culpable will face the full wrath of the law.
The police spokesperson also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid the investigation. This call for public assistance highlights the importance of community involvement in resolving such cases.
Context and Broader Implications
This incident comes amid heightened tensions involving the Nigeria Customs Service. In a separate event, Lakurawa terrorists recently attacked a Customs outpost in Maje, Bagudo, Kebbi State, killing an officer and burning the camp. The Customs Service has confirmed the attack but awaits medical confirmation of the officer's death.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the conduct of Customs officers in border communities. The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, recently addressed the issue during a plenary session, highlighting reports of innocent citizens being killed in the name of stopping rice smuggling. These incidents underscore ongoing challenges in law enforcement and public safety in Nigeria.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are focused on ensuring accountability and preventing similar tragedies in the future. The case has drawn significant attention, reflecting broader issues of security and justice in the region.
