Businessman In Court Over Importation Of Contraband

A Lagos businessman, Adedapo Adenigbagbe, alleged to have evaded Customs duties on imported goods as well as importing contraband goods into Nigeria has been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos, southwest Nigeria.

In a four-count criminal charge number FHC/L/80c/12 filed before the court by the Nigeria Customs Service prosecutor, Barrister J.I Ajakaye, it was alleged that the 50-year-old Adedapo Adenigbagbe of 16, Daniel Eyame Street, Abule Moore, Ijaye, Lagos State on or about 28 February 2012 at Gbagi checkpoint within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, knowingly with the intention to defraud the Federal Government of any duty payable on a Rover S.75 car with registration number EU 237 KRD and Chassis Number SA2RJXLPSXM1101613 which is chargeable to duty, which has not been paid and thereby committed an offence contrary to the provision of section 164A of the Custom and Excise Management Act Cap C 45, laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under the same section of the Act.

Ajakaye further alleged that the accused businessman on the same day, time and place was connected with the importation of the following items: 69 pieces of new ladies hand bags, 151 pieces of new school bags and two mini bales of second hand clothes, ladies covering veil, containing 280 pieces, which prohibition are for the time being in force, thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 47 (1) (c ) of the Customs and Excise Management Act Cap C 45 law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The accused, Adedapo Adenigbagbe pleaded not guilty and the case was adjourned for trial.