By Adenike Lawal
The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has dismissed as false and unfounded the viral claims that contaminated rice it allegedly released led to deaths in Badagry, Lagos, including that of a soldier.
Reacting to the reports, the Command’s spokesperson, Isah Sulaiman, called the allegations pure fiction aimed at inciting fear and discrediting the Service.
He clarified that the Command follows a strict legal and transparent procedure when handling seized goods, leaving no space for the kind of recklessness implied in the reports.
“There is absolutely no truth to these claims. No deaths have been reported among civilians or Customs officers due to rice consumption,” Sulaiman said.
The reports had suggested that the Service released bags of seized rice without the owner’s consent, triggering alleged supernatural backlash. But Customs insists this narrative is baseless and intended to mislead the public.
Sulaiman also condemned the role of individuals posing as journalists in spreading the falsehood, accusing them of stoking public fear with harmful fabrications.
“It is regrettable that some individuals use the cover of journalism to spread misinformation with malicious intent,” he said.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and not fall for sensational, unverified stories.
He added that under the leadership of Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, the Seme Command remains committed to professionalism, due process, and national service.
