Customs ex-chief, Diko spends fifth day in EFCC custody

Former Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Inde Diko, has remained in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the fifth day running.

Diko has been in EFCC custody since last Thursday when he reported to the headquarters office of the anti-graft agency in Abuja.

EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren confirmed to The Guardian yesterday that Inde Diko was still in custody. He however, did not give further information about the ex-Customs boss who is being held for an alleged N42 billion scam.

Diko, who held office between 2009 and 2015 is alleged to have engaged in financial misappropriation during his tenure.

An EFCC source said last Thursday after Diko had been taken into custody that the suspect allegedly bought a mansion for over N2 billion.

The Guardian was informed that he was also held for alleged criminal conspiracy, diversion of public funds, theft, abuse of office and living above legitimate means.

“There is also a further allegation that he diverted over N40 billion from Customs coffers. The funds were allegedly drawn from proceeds of the seven per cent cost of collection and one per cent comprehensive import supervision scheme,” the source said.

It would be recalled that the EFCC has been investigating the former Customs boss since January 8, 2016 when his No. 4 Ahmed Musa crescent home in Jabi, Abuja was raided by operatives of the commission.