Lagos Court Finalizes Forfeiture of 36 Exotic Cars Allegedly Stolen from Canada – Impacted Auto Dealers Identified
In a significant legal development, Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has issued a final forfeiture order concerning 36 exotic cars purportedly stolen from Canada and brought into Nigeria.
This decision follows an earlier ruling on November 29, 2023, when the court granted an interim/temporary forfeiture of the vehicles. The application for this order was presented by Abdul Rasheed, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Upon reviewing the submissions and accompanying documentation, Justice Dipeolu granted the request put forth by the anti-graft agency, culminating in the final forfeiture of the 36 cars.
The auto dealerships associated with the recovered cars include Wilmon Autos Nigeria Limited, Ikeoyi Enterprises, Ichie Autos, Bounce Autos, Assured Motors, Emeko Auto, CNC Auto, Green Hill Auto, First Core Auto, Samuel Motors, Unique Motors, Nice and Rich Auto, Overall Properties, GIDI Auto, and Chris Jane Auto Nigeria Limited.
Nigeria Customs Service Revokes 25% Penalty on Improperly Imported Vehicles
In a recent announcement, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revoked the 25% penalty imposed on improperly imported vehicles, which was initially linked to the “90-day Window for the regularisation of import duties on specific categories of vehicles.”
A press release issued on Friday, March 22, 2024, disclosed this decision:
“In accordance with directives from the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced a 90-day window, effective from March 4, 2024, to July 5, 2024, for the regularisation of import duties on specific categories of vehicles.
“To alleviate economic challenges and foster compliance, the Honourable Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy have approved the suspension of the previously imposed 25% penalty on improperly imported vehicles, in addition to import duty.
However, vehicles that have been seized and condemned will not be released under this scheme and will be forfeited to the Federal Government as per existing regulations.”
Enugu Police Arrest Car-Stealing Syndicate; Recover Stolen Mercedes Cars and Keys
Enugu State Command’s Police operatives stationed at the Uwani Police Division have apprehended a car-stealing syndicate operating in the Kenyetta Market area of Uwani, Enugu.
Acting on reports of car theft and conducting operational surveillance, law enforcement officers arrested the syndicate’s ringleader, Anioko Chukwujekwu, on March 3, 2024, as he attempted to steal a parked car at the market.
Following the suspect’s confession, three additional individuals believed to be his accomplices, receivers, and sellers of stolen vehicles, were apprehended in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
During the operation, numerous car keys and four distinct models of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including two 190 E, one blue C-Class, and one black 230 E (V-Boot), were recovered.
CCECC Commemorates a Milestone: 1000 Days of Safe Operations for Lagos–Ibadan Railway
The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) is celebrating a significant achievement as the Lagos–Ibadan railway marks 1,000 days of accident-free operations.
Since its commencement in June 2021, the 163.31-kilometer Lagos–Ibadan Railway has facilitated safe transportation for over 2 million passengers, with a monthly peak exceeding 150,000 riders.
This Chinese-built railway links Nigeria’s economic hub, Lagos, with the southwest industrial city of Ibadan, boasting a design speed of 150 kilometers per hour.
Moreover, CCECC has played a pivotal role in providing comprehensive technical support to local talent involved in operating the Lagos–Ibadan Railway, including skill enhancement training programs.