The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed as false and malicious the viral reports alleging that poisonous rice distributed in Badagry, Lagos State, originated from its operations. In a weekend statement, the Seme Area Command firmly denied releasing any toxic rice into the public and blamed the allegations on mischief-makers spreading fear through misinformation.
The controversy stemmed from social media posts and a disturbing video showing a corpse in a red vehicle with military camouflage, sparking claims that toxic rice had caused mysterious deaths—including that of a soldier—following a supposed traditional curse over allegedly seized and redistributed rice.
Comptroller Ben Oramalugo of the Seme Command refuted these accounts, describing them as completely baseless. He assured that the Command strictly follows Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in handling seized goods, which include full legal compliance and transparency. “There has been no incident within our jurisdiction, or among our personnel, that supports the outrageous claim of deaths caused by consumption of rice linked to this Command,” Oramalugo stated.
He also criticized individuals who, posing as journalists, were amplifying the unverified story and stoking public anxiety. “It’s disheartening that some individuals, under the guise of journalism—a noble profession—are fueling public anxiety with baseless, fictitious, and malicious stories,” he said.
Calling for calm, Comptroller Oramalugo urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could harm national institutions or provoke unnecessary fear. He reiterated the Customs Service’s commitment to protecting the public and ensuring that no harmful goods are allowed into circulation.
While the origins of the viral video and its disturbing claims remain unresolved, the NCS has firmly distanced itself from the speculation, offering some reassurance to the residents of Badagry and surrounding areas.
