22nd December, 2011
Nigeria Customs and Excise Service has arraigned a Lagos businessman, Joshua Elendu, before a Federal High Court in Lagos on a four-count charge of importing prohibited items into the country.
According to the charge number FHC/L/416c/11 filed before the court, prosecuting counsel, Mr. J.I. Ajakaye, it was alleged thus:
That you, Joshua Elendu, male, of 3, Maurice Close, Ajao Estate, Lagos, on 29 October, 2011, with intention to evade prohibition, imported and was in possession of 343 sacks of used shoes which were stored in your warehouse;
Joshua Elendu, same time and place, imported into the country, 49 sacks of used handbags, 470 sets of television stands stored at your warehouse.
The prosecutor further alleged that the accused businessman, with intention to defraud the Federal Government of duty payable, was found to have concealed and being in possession of 15 sacks of used waist belts which are chargeable to duty not paid.
All the offences alleged to have been committed are contrary to and punishable under Section 164 (A) 47 (A) II of Customs and Excise Management Act Cap C45 Laws of the Federation 2004.
The accused pleaded not guilty and consequently, his lawyer, Osahon Ihenyan, filed and argued his bail application. He urged the court to admit his client on bail in liberal tune.
In his ruling, Justice Okechukwu Okeke, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety in like sum. The surety must also swear to an affidavit of means and produce tax clearance with three copies of recent passport photographs.
The court also ruled that the prosecuting counsel must confirm in writing, residential and business addresses of the surety and genuineness of the documents while the case was adjourned for trial.