Segun Atanda/
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Team has arrested Prince Bamgbala Adewusi, the suspended chairman of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA). This development comes amidst allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of office, and defiance of disciplinary measures.
Adewusi, who was suspended by ANLCA’s National Executive Committee (NECOM) in July 2024, has faced accusations of embezzling over N300 million of association funds, unlawful occupation of office, and using police connections to frustrate disciplinary actions. His suspension was reportedly executed following due process, but Adewusi allegedly resisted compliance, leveraging support from certain police officers to maintain his position.
NewsmakersNG learnt that NECOM’s decision to suspend Adewusi stemmed from his failure to appear before a disciplinary committee investigating financial malpractices. A statement issued at the time warned members of the public against conducting transactions with him on behalf of ANLCA. Despite these measures, Adewusi allegedly continued to wield influence through questionable means, including deploying police and military personnel to retain control of the chapter secretariat.
Efforts to hold Adewusi accountable were reportedly hampered by alleged collusion within the Nigeria Police Force. Sources claim that the Force Special Fraud Unit (SFU), which was tasked with investigating the allegations, delayed prosecuting the case and failed to rearrest Adewusi after he allegedly jumped bail.
The IGP Monitoring Team’s intervention followed a petition from ANLCA leadership highlighting the SFU’s inaction. Within 24 hours of receiving the petition, the team arrested Adewusi. The petitioners described this as a commitment by the police hierarchy to restore professionalism and accountability.
Despite his arrest, Adewusi reportedly boasted of his connections within the police force, claiming he would soon be released. However, ANLCA leaders have expressed optimism that justice will prevail, commending the IGP’s swift response.
ANLCA’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha, lauded the IGP’s professionalism while condemning the alleged internal conflicts within the police force that enabled Adewusi’s prolonged impunity. He emphasized that the association would no longer tolerate lawlessness, stating, “No individual can ride roughshod over the rights and liberties of ANLCA members.”
Similarly, ANLCA National President, Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji, reaffirmed the association’s resolve to end Adewusi’s tenure, labeling him an impostor who never legitimately won the chapter election.
“We have endured his misconduct for too long. His time is up, and he must leave,” Nwokeoji said.
0