FCC drags Customs boss Adeniyi to court over alleged recruitment irregularities

The Federal Character Commission has filed criminal proceedings against the Nigeria Customs Service and Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi over four alleged violations of federal character regulations during the 2025/2026 recruitment exercise.

The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has instituted criminal proceedings against the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and its Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, over alleged violations of federal character principles during recruitment.

According to the Federal Character Commission, as reported by People’s Gazette, the dispute followed concerns over recruitment transparency and compliance with statutory oversight requirements.

In a statement on Friday, spokesperson Lawrence Ademola said four charges were filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The FCC accused Customs of withholding recruitment records, including nominal rolls, despite formal requests.

It also alleged that the service ignored an October 23 directive suspending recruitment activities pending regulatory review.

The commission maintained that the alleged violations undermined its responsibility to ensure equitable employment opportunities across Nigeria.

The case, numbered FHC/ABJ/CR/772/2026, was filed on November 12.

The FCC cited Sections 5(2) and 4(1)(c) of its establishment law as grounds for prosecution.

The commission said the legal action demonstrated its commitment to transparency, fairness and accountability in federal recruitment processes.