Court seizes Bombardier jet from Orlean Invest Africa Limited
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final 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 duties or obtain a Temporary Import Permit for the jet. Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment, stating that the company did not provide proof of compliance with customs laws. The case was brought by the Nigeria Customs Service after an audit revealed several private aircraft in violation of duty payments.
TLDR
- The court ordered the final seizure and forfeiture of the Bombardier BD-700 Global 6000 with registration mark 9H-GVG and serial number 9470.
- Orlean Invest Africa Limited failed to pay import duty or obtain a Temporary Import Permit for the aircraft.
- The customs duty liability was assessed at ₦1,044,493,295.54.
- Justice James Omotosho ruled that the respondents did not provide proof of payment or compliance with customs laws.
- The judgment was described as groundbreaking by Mr Okon Efut (SAN), counsel to the Nigeria Customs Service.
