The Nigeria Customs service Board on June 29th, 2016 secured conviction for six suspects charged to court in 2013 for conspiracy, forgery and counterfeiting.
The accused persons were arraigned with a five count charge before Hon. Justice Musa, H. Kurya of the Federal High Court on 11th September 2013.
The six accused persons were alleged to have counterfeited Nigeria Customs Service Allocation paper ref. NCS/ADM/MGT/012/S.1/C VOL. IV dated 4th June 2013 with serial number 0002095 for 1x20ft container no GESU 2339750.
Similarly, the six accused persons were also found to be in possession of counterfeited official seal of the Comptroller-General of Customs, counterfeited seal of the officer in charge of valuation, Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, Ogun State Command and the official seal of valuation seat, Apapa port in Apapa Command, contrary to the provisions of section 162 (a) and (d) of Nigeria Customs and Excise Management Act Cap C45 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.
In addition, the six accused persons were also jointly charged for conspiracy under section 166 of Nigeria Customs and Excise Management Act Cap C45 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.
The accused persons are: Abiodun Ojo, Uche Nwamaka Mike, Charles Ali, Abutu Emmanuel, Sunday Nwaeze and Ngozi Ibeh.
The Legal team of the Nigeria Customs Service was led by Mr. Ajakaye, Julius Iyiola while Mr. O.O Oreyomi appeared for the 1st and 4th accused persons.
Mr. Ernest Onazi appeared for 2nd and 3rd accused persons while Mr. Sunday Okwor for the 5th and 6th accused persons respectively.
In a well delivered judgment on the 29th of June, 2016, Hon. Justice Musa H. Kurya of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, found the six accused persons/defendants guilty of the five count charges.
Consequently each of the accused person was sentenced to 2 (two) years imprisonment on each of the five counts amounting to 10 (ten) years imprisonment each which will run concurrently.
Expressing appreciation for the major legal breakthrough, the Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone A Ikeja, Comptroller Umar Mohammed Dahiru commended the judiciary for its forthrightness in the delivery of judgment stating that it would serve as deterrence to others.
Meanwhile, the Controller also informed the media that other cases involving other suspects apprehended in connection with other offences were ongoing at the federal High Court.
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