Fake Customs officer in N34m scam dragged to court

A 59-year-old woman, Rakiyat Musa, has been arraigned for allegedly posing as a Nigerian Customs officer and scamming multiple victims of over N34 million in Lagos.

Musa appeared before Magistrate B.I. Amos at the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court sitting in Tinubu on Thursday, facing a four-count charge including conspiracy, impersonation, stealing, and obtaining money under false pretences.

According to police prosecutor Inspector Cyriacus Osuji, the accused, along with accomplices still on the run, defrauded unsuspecting traders between April and July 2025. She allegedly tricked her victims using a fake Customs ID and promised to supply bags of rice and groundnut oil.

One of the victims, Mr. Damilare Sodiq, President of Power House Cooperative in Kosofe, Lagos, was allegedly swindled of N13.48 million. Others include Mr. Chukwudi Joshua (N5.35 million), Mr. Mathew Nworie (N2.6 million), and Mr. Okereke Johnson (N2.68 million).

“She knew her claims were false and used them to obtain money dishonestly,” Osuji told the court, adding that Musa also allegedly made away with an additional ₦10 million from her victims.

The offences contravene Sections 411, 314, 287, and 380(1) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

Musa pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Amos granted her N2.5 million bail with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must reside in Lagos, show evidence of tax payments, and provide verifiable addresses. Musa must also deposit N500,000 in cash.

The case was adjourned to August 11, 2025, for mention.