Customs Charge 8 For Smuggling 34 Containers Through Apapa Port
The Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) on Tuesday charged five persons and three companies before the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly smuggling 34 containers into Nigeria through the Apapa Port, Lagos.
Those charged before Justice Muslim Hassan are: Ifenayi Anakweze, Chibuzor Ogamba, Biolatiri Peter, Chief Onwumere Festus, and one Jude Wilfred, said to be at large.
They were dragged before the court on a five count charge alongside: Prissy Investment Limited, Vickchen Nigeria Limited, and Aulic Bonded Terminal/Logistics.
The Custom alleged that the accused persons move 34 containers containing truck heads and other items out of Apapa Port without paying the required duties.
However, the scheduled arraignment of the accused persons was stalled due to the absence of three of them namely; Ifeanyi Anakweze, Aulic Bonded Terminals, and Jude Wilfred.
In view of the absence of the three accused persons, the prosecutor, A. B. Shehu, urged the court to grant a short adjournment to enable him bring the absentees before the court.
Consequently, Justice Hassan, adjourned the matter till April 30, for arraignment of all accused persons.
The NCS in charge numbered FHC/C/48c/18, alleged that the accused persons, of various addresses, have on or about June 30, 2017, conspired among themselves in an attempt to evade Duty, diverted 36 units of 40 containers, which was imported on Bill of Lading number MSCUUYG526117, MSCUYG543294, and GOSUSHH30113433.
Prosecution also alleged in the charge that the accused persons knowingly made untrue declaration as to the 23 units of Hovo Truck Sino dump said to be contained in 36 units of 40 feet containers imported
The offences according to the prosecutor, Mr. Shehu, are contrary to and punishable under sections 47(1), 166, and 161(1)(a)(3) of the Customs and Excise Management Act Cap. 45 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
