Nigerian customs arraigns 2 suspected smugglers

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Nigerian Customs Arraigns 2 Suspected Smugglers

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has arraigned two suspected smugglers before a Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged contravention of the Customs and Excise Management Act.

The suspects, identified as Olamide Ogunleye and Olamide Ogunleye, were arrested on February 10, 2023, at the Seme Border in Lagos, while attempting to smuggle a consignment of 1,000 bags of foreign rice into the country.

According to the NCS, the rice was concealed in a 40-foot container marked "Used Furniture" and was valued at N2.5 million.

The accused persons were arraigned on two counts of smuggling and attempting to evade payment of customs duties.

The prosecutor, Mr. A. A. Adeyemi, told the court that the accused persons committed the offence on February 10, 2023, at the Seme Border, Lagos.

Adeyemi alleged that the accused persons smuggled the foreign rice into the country without paying the required customs duties and taxes.

The prosecutor prayed the court to convict the accused persons and impose a fine on them.

The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The trial judge, Justice A. R. Mohammed, adjourned the case to March 15, 2023, for further hearing.

The NCS has been cracking down on smuggling activities in the country, and this latest arraignment is part of its efforts to curb the illegal trade.

Smuggling is a serious offence in Nigeria, and those found guilty can face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

The NCS has also been working to improve its operations and enhance its ability to detect and prevent smuggling activities.

In recent months, the agency has seized several consignments of smuggled goods, including rice, vehicles, and other items.

The NCS has also arrested several suspected smugglers and handed them over to the relevant authorities for prosecution.

The agency's efforts have been praised by the public and the government, who have commended the NCS for its commitment to curbing smuggling and protecting the country's economy.