Bisola David
The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A officers apprehended a two-man conspiracy that specialized in fabricating Customs clearing documents for automobiles imported into Nigeria from the neighboring Benin Republic, according to information released by the Nigeria Customs Service on Tuesday.
During a press briefing in Lagos, the acting Customs Area Controller, FOU, Zone A, Deputy Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, revealed that the unit intercepted contraband with Duty Paid Value of N501.4million from the South-West in the last one month.
He further said that the syndicate was preparing to use forged paperwork to import over 600 vehicles into Nigeria from the Benin Republic at the time of the arrest.
Ejibunu claims that among other clearing documents, the suspects were found in possession of false Customs valuation stamps, Customs Duty Chart Books on automobiles, and other paperwork.
He declared, “As part of our ongoing campaign against smugglers and economic saboteurs, this team made a significant breakthrough by dismantling and apprehending a two-man organization that faked Customs clearing certificates. Following the arrest of one suspect (Shuaibu Kolo) driving a 2007 Mercedes Benz on the Ajilete-ldiroko Road in Ogun State, a thorough investigation led to the discovery of over 600 images of vehicles registered in Benin Republic that were awaiting a forged clearance procedure by the same criminal organization before being transported into Nigeria.
Four computer monitors, three computer processing units, one keyboard, and one printer were among the items seized from the suspects during their arrest and investigation. Other items included a fake Customs valuation stamp, a fake Customs Duty Chart Book for vehicles, fake Customs documents, and fake documents for vehicle registration.
Commenting about the commodities seized, Ejibunu claimed that nine truckloads of foreign parboiled rice, charcoal, Premium Motor Spirit, and Cannabis Sativa were detained.
“Other items include 29,875 liters of PMS, 283 cartons of frozen poultry imported from abroad, 75 kilograms of cannabis sativa, 55 units of imported used cars, and a 40-foot container allegedly containing charcoal destined for export.
The head of Customs, on the other hand, disapproved of attacks on Service employees who were performing their official duties and warned that anyone found guilty would face the full force of the law for their actions.
The acting controller of the unit claims that 18 people were detained in February 2023 for bringing illegal goods into the nation.
“Smuggling is a criminal offense that can result in jail time and is unpatriotic. 18 people who were detained in February 2023 in relation to some of these charges are currently being investigated and prosecuted.”
He added that the economy is significantly harmed by the repercussions of smuggling these goods stating that some of these include lost revenue, price inflation, and the demise of regional industry. The struggle against economic sabotage must thus be joined by all patriotic citizens.
“In addition, the sum of N103.6 million was recovered after demand notifications were sent to defaulters in an effort to avert revenue loss due to under-valuation, underpayments, and incorrect classification,” he said.
Ejibunu concluded by reassuring the business community that the unit was constantly prepared to support law-abiding traders by enabling their legal operations in accordance with the applicable legislation. Nonetheless, stubborn dealers were sternly warned to stop defying the rules in place or prepare to deal with the full force of the law.
