Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigeria Customs Service has achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing battle against smuggling activities, with the successful conviction of two smugglers, Felarun Oluwasegun and Fakorede Jelili on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The conviction, delivered by Honourable Justice Demi-Ajayi of the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, comes after the duo were found guilty of assaulting Customs Officers and contravening customs laws.
Felarun and Jelili were apprehended for assembling to contravene customs laws, possession of smuggled goods, and assaulting Customs Officers with charms and horsewhips at Owoyele-Igbogila, Yewa-North Local Government, Ogun State, in 2023.
Their actions, which endangered the lives of law enforcement officers, were met with a firm response from the judiciary, resulting in a sentence of 2 years imprisonment with hard labor, without the option of fine.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, commended the efforts of the judiciary in delivering justice and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to combatting smuggling and related crimes.
He noted that the convictions underscored the seriousness with which the Service regards its mandate to uphold the law, revealing that 11 suspects faced convictions for various offenses, including improper importation, assault on Customs officers, and possession of illicit items such as Pangolin scales meant for export. Several other smuggling-related cases are at various stages of prosecution, promising diligent follow-up.
The convicted duo, Felarun Oluwasegun and Fakorede Jelili, were initially arraigned in Court in May 2023 on a three-count charge and had been remanded at the correctional center in Abeokuta until their recent conviction.
This conviction marks a significant step forward in the fight against smuggling in Nigeria. It sends a strong message to those engaged in illicit activities that the law will be enforced rigorously, and perpetrators will be brought to justice.
The Nigeria Customs Service remains vigilant and resolute in its mission to safeguard the nation’s borders and ensure compliance with customs regulations.