A prominent figure in southwest Nigeria’s alleged smuggling scene, Ibrahim Egungbohun Dende (IBD Dende) has been accused of threatening to kill an Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASC) who seized his smuggled goods. This accusation comes amidst an ongoing investigation by FIJ, a Nigerian independent investigative platform, which exposed widespread corruption within the Nigerian Customs Service.
According to FIJ’s reporting, the threat against the customs officer occurred in January 2024, shortly before the release of their undercover investigation titled “Undercover as a Smuggler.” The investigation revealed how smuggling rings operate with the complicity of corrupt customs officials who accept bribes and tip off smugglers about patrol movements.
Following the release of the investigation’s trailer on February 20th, Dende, better known as “IBD Dende,” vehemently denied any involvement in smuggling activities. In a rebuttal circulated online and later picked up by several national newspapers, Dende accused FIJ of “character assassination” and attempting to damage his reputation and businesses.
The alleged death threat against the customs officer has not been officially confirmed by authorities, and Dende’s rebuttal makes no mention of the incident. However, the timing of the threat, coinciding with the investigation’s release, raises concerns about the potential link between the two events.
FIJ’s investigation has sparked national conversation about the prevalence of smuggling and corruption within the Nigerian customs system.
In these @fijnigeria videos, IBD Dende, the most notorious smuggler in the South West, can be seen threatening to kill a Customs officer who seized his smuggled goods.
The officer he would have harmed had he not been restrained is an Assistant Superintendent of Customs.
Some… pic.twitter.com/rJUoa2NP5P
— 'Fisayo Soyombo (@fisayosoyombo) March 1, 2024
What Fisayo through FIJ revealed about IBD DENDE didn’t shock me one bit!
Na so many of these big names wey you dey see wey our artistes dey always praise take become bastardly rich be dat.
State protected criminals.
— Habdulakeem Bhadmus (@Mrbhadoosky) March 1, 2024
That IBD Dende have the audacity to even challenged armed operatives of the Nigeria Customs for Seizing his Smuggled Trailers of Rice in the viral video is very worrisome, also calls for urgent reforms in the NCS.
— UNCLE DEJI™️ (@DejiAdesogan) March 1, 2024
Fisayo Soyombo has a higher chance of being arrested than IBD Dende being arrested.
That's how Nigeria works.
The lady who complained about Ersico's product, instead of NAFDAC to check the product, the lady is instead fighting for her life.
Nigeria isn't normal.
— DISTINGUISHED KPMG LinkedIn Everest (@novieverest) March 1, 2024
This IBD Dende’s exposé by Fisayo directly points to why so many people in Lagos wanted Tinubu as president—counted his presidency as the level ground and free passage to criminality.
— Adedayo Agarau (@adedayo_agarau) March 1, 2024
Honestly thought IBD Dende was just one of those normal normal yahoo boys that get praised in songs.
I no know say na elderly man like this.
— Seye Dele (@seyedele) March 1, 2024
https://twitter.com/Abdulherphyz/status/1763546873720115707?t=XeNh8v_vkZlw3yAHickCrg&s=19
There is a reason IBD Dende is so bold. This is because Thieves are highly protected in this country. All you need is just a strong person in power to be by your side.
— FS Yusuf (@FS_Yusuf_) March 1, 2024
The organization’s reporting has also faced criticism from Dende, highlighting the tension between investigative journalism and individuals facing accusations of wrongdoing.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether authorities will investigate the alleged threat against the customs officer and how FIJ’s investigation will impact the ongoing fight against corruption within the Nigerian Customs Service.
