Customs Officers Allegedly Manhandled Journalist In Kano

The operatives of Nigerian Customs Service allegedly assaulted Express Radio Reporter Lamin Hassan on Wednesday in Kano.
Solacebase gathered that the incident took place at Gwammaja quarters, Dala local government area of Kano.
Our correspondent learnt that Lamin Hassan was officially assigned to investigate and report comprehensively on incessant complains by the public concerning the alleged harassment by customs personnel recently.
Speaking to Solacebase on Wednesday, Lamin Hassan said, “On my arrival in the area Customs Personnel raided a shopping mall selling Palm-date and Zam-Zam Water which they allegedly branded as contraband while interviewing some people with regards to the incessant harassment, they came started assaulting me.’’
“I was beaten with a gun on my chest by one custom operative just because I’m discharging my lawful duty,” Hassan said.
Reacting to the development, Nigerian Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Command, Spokesman, Isa Danbaba confirmed the situation to Solacebase, noting that when he was informed of the situation, he placed a call to the radio station Head of News but was informed that he was attending management meeting.
‘’We enjoy a cordial relationship with the Media, hence immediately I was informed of the incident, I called the radio station so that we can sort out the issue.’’
‘’Our personnel said the victim was taking pictures while they raided the area to confiscate suspected smuggled goods. He was advised to stop taking pictures and when asked to identify himself, he claimed to be a journalist without an identification card. And it was in the course of trying to seize the phone been used to take the pictures that they had a scuffle,’’ said Danbaba.