The Nigeria Customs Service said it has achieved a significant victory in its battle against smuggling, with the successful conviction of two smugglers; Felarun Oluwasegun and Fakorede Jelili.
The conviction, according to a press statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada was delivered on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, by Honourable Justice Demi-Ajayi of the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, marking a decisive step in upholding customs laws and ensuring the safety of customs officers.
The service informed that the convictions were the culmination of events that occurred in 2023 at Owoyele-Igbogila, Yewa-North Local Government, Ogun State.
Felarun and Jelili were found guilty of assembling to contravene customs laws, possession of smuggled goods, and assaulting Customs Officers with charms and horsewhips during a smuggling operation.
The NCS noted that the brazen disregard for the law and violence against officers led to their sentencing to two years imprisonment with hard labour, without the option of a fine.
According to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, these convictions underscore the seriousness with which the Service treats offenses related to smuggling and assault on its officers.
In addition to Felarun and Jelili, 11 other suspects have been convicted for various offenses including improper importation, assault of Customs officers, and possession of Pangolin scales intended for export.
The Customs Service said it remains vigilant, with ongoing prosecutions of smuggling cases at various stages in the courts.
Felarun Oluwasegun and Fakorede Jelili were first arraigned in Court in May 2023 on a three-count charge. Since then, they had been remanded at the correctional center in Abeokuta until their recent conviction.
