Two clearing agents Ganiu Toheeb, and Abdulrahim Jamiu, have been arraigned before a Federal High Court Lagos by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on four counts charge of counterfeiting, and forgery of Customs papers.
The two clearing agents who are residents of Ojo and Surlere, Lagos, were alleged to have between August 19 and 23, 2016, at Tin Can Island, Apapa,Lagos counterfeited and falsified Customs and Excises documents, which they intended to use in procuring a 2004 Toyata Highlander Jeep, with chassis number JDEHF21A7309978, from Tincan Island port.
The two accused clearing agents were also alleged to have forged the signature and stamp of the Customs Officer at the Customs and Excises Control office, at Tin Can Island Port, which they intended to use in procuring the said Toyota Highlander Jeep.
The offences alleged to have been committed by the two accused clearing agents are contrary to and punishable under sections 162(a)(b)(C) and (d) of Customs and Excises Board, Cap C45 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the offences. Consequently their lawyer, Mr. F. F. Onogima, told the court of the accused pending bail applications, which has been served on the prosecutor.
However the presiding judge, Justice Babs Kuewumi, has ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody pending the time their bail application would be determined.