Court orders private jet seized over unpaid customs duty
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the forfeiture of a Bombardier BD-700 Global 6000 aircraft operated by Orlean Invest Africa Limited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The court found that the company failed to pay import duty or obtain a Temporary Import Permit for the aircraft. Justice James Omotosho ruled that the respondents did not provide sufficient proof of compliance with customs laws. Mr Okon Efut (SAN), counsel to the Nigeria Customs Service, praised the decision as a significant legal precedent.
What we know
- The court ordered the final seizure, condemnation, and forfeiture of the Bombardier BD-700 Global 6000 with registration mark 9H-GVG and serial number 9470.
- The case was brought by the Nigeria Customs Service after an audit revealed violations in the payment of customs duties by many private aircraft operators.
- Orlean Invest Africa Limited was assessed a customs duty liability of ₦1,044,493,295.54 but failed to pay or provide proof of payment.
- Justice James Omotosho stated that hiding under foreign ownership to operate in Nigeria was an attempt to evade government revenue.
- The ruling was described as groundbreaking and the first of its kind in Nigeria by Mr Okon Efut (SAN).
