The Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday granted two Chinese importers bail for N10 million following their arraignment for alleged importation of sub-standard tyres worth N5 billion.
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) charged Taolung Shen (36) and Xu Jimg Yao (22) with four- count charge of the offence.
They were arraigned with Chinedu Madubuike and two companies – Sino Nigeria Import and Export Limited and Nedeca International Limited.
Justice Mojisola Olatoregun granted them bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties each in like sum.
The judge said they should submit their international passports and residential permits to the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar.
The judge also ordered the companies to submit N10million bond each.
She warned the defence counsel against producing “professional sureties” before the court.
The Federal Government accused the defendants of conspiring to import tyres that did not meet industrial standards.
The prosecution said they stuffed various tyre sizes into one, which makes them unfit for usage.
The alleged offence is contrary to sections 320 (2)(b) and 518 (2) of the Criminal Code Act 2004.
It also violated Section 26(2)(b)(iii) of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Act No. 14, 2015 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The defendants were also accused of failing to furnish returns on the condition of the imported tyres as required by law, an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 32(1) of the SON Act.
According to the AGF, the alleged offence was committed last month in Lagos.
Justice Olatoregun adjourned until May 15 for trial.
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