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Businessman remanded for illegally importing furniture

Court

The Managing Director, Elgusto Classic International, Mr. Roland Ogbonna, has been arraigned over alleged illegal importation of furniture, breaking of Customs seal and evasion of duty payment.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Ikeja, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday by its Public Relations Officer, Mr. Jerry Attah.

According to the statement, Ogbonna appeared before Justice Abdulazeez Anka of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016.

It said that based on information, the suspect, and his company were alleged to have imported 511 sets of furniture from China in July 2016.

“This is contrary to the provision of Section 47 (i) and (ii) of the Customs and Excise Management Act, Cap C45 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“After a preliminary investigation, inspection and discovery at the warehouse in Lekki, Officers and Men of the Service swung into action by sealing the warehouse pending a thorough investigation.

“The owner of the warehouse alongside two of his staff were arrested, detained and released after their statements were taken and all bail conditions were met.

“On Aug. 1, 2016, information got to the Unit that the Managing Director with his staff had broken the seal of the Nigeria Customs Service placed upon Elgusto Classic International warehouse located at km 43, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki, without authority, with the intent to evade prohibition.

“Thereby committed an offence contrary to the provision of Section 145 (5) of CEMA LFN 2004, which they were charged for, the statement said.

It said that after breaking the seal, they (the managing director and his staff) removed some sets of the furniture imported from China valued at N100 million.

“They were arraigned for the intent of evading payment of Customs duty, an offence contrary to the provision of section 164 (a) of CEMA Cap C45 LFN 2004.

“While Mr Roland Ogbonna, Managing Director, Elgusto Classic International was remanded in Ikoyi Prison awaiting trial as the case was adjourned to Oct. 19, 2016, the warehouse was resealed,” the statement said.

Mr Julius Ajakaye, who led the legal team of the NCS, prayed that the court should expedite the legal proceedings to serve as a deterrent to others.

The Controller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Comptroller Umar Dahiru said he was determined to sustain the present tempo of zero tolerance for smuggling.

Dahiru lauded the commitment and diligence of his officers and men for thwarting the antics of smugglers.

He assured legitimate traders of the support of the service and warned smugglers to desist from such illicit trade, “as it is no longer profitable”.

“For the avoidance of doubt, genuine importers and owners of warehouses are hereby advised not to exercise any fear.

“The NCS’ action is only about enforcing payments that are legitimately due to the Federal Government and to ensure that smuggling is brought to its barest minimum,” the controller said.

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