The court has spoken!

By Akin Kuponiyi

Two clearing agent , Ganiu Toheeb, and Abdulrahim Jamiu, were ysterday, arraigned before a Federal High Court Lagos , by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on four counts charge of Counterfeiting, and forgery of custom papers.

The two clearing agents who are residents of Ojo and Surlere, Lagos, were alleged to have between August 19 and 23, 2016, at Tincan Island, Apapa,Lagos counterfeited and falsified Customs and Excises documents, which they intentded 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 Custom Officer at the Customs and Excises Control office, at Tincan Island, 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 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.