Customs release seized bullion van used for rice smuggling

The bullion van, reportedly carrying over ₦24 million and 12 bags of foreign rice,
 had been seized as part of the Customs Service’s efforts to combat smuggling activities in the region.
The decision to release the impounded van is likely to be a result of ongoing investigations and legal
 proceedings related to the case.

Customs authorities revealed that three suspects connected to the smuggling operation have been apprehended,
 detained, granted administrative bail, and subsequently charged to court for their involvement.
This underscores the government’s commitment to addressing illicit activities and prosecuting individuals
 found culpable in such offenses. The release of the bullion van, however, may be part of a broader legal process,
and it remains to be seen how the case will unfold as it progresses through the judicial system.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by customs authorities in curbing smuggling activities,
 particularly those involving high-value assets like bullion vans. As the legal proceedings unfold,
the release of the impounded bullion van raises questions about the intricacies of the case and the
Customs Service’s approach to tackling smuggling at border areas. It also underscores the need for
 robust measures to deter and prevent such activities, ensuring the integrity of border control
efforts and safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.

The Area Comptroller of the Ogun II Command, Bisi Alade, at a briefing
in his office in Abeokuta, the state capital, explains that the bullion van which was conveying
 ₦24.489.500.00 cash belonging to a first-generation bank had 12 bags of foreign
 rice concealed in it.

According to him, three suspects have been arrested, detained, and granted
administrative bail and subsequently charged to court for aiding smuggling.

“We gather here today to release the bullion van with registration number
 FKJ993BZ in our custody. The vehicle belongs to Warehouse Limited and the
 money belongs to Access Banks PLC Abeokuta branch; both were detained by
the officers and men of the joint border patrol team for being used to conceal
 some foreign parboiled rice of 50 kilogrammes each.

“On 22nd April 2022, officers and men of the joint border patrol team at the
Oluranda axis of Ogun State intercepted the bullion van with registration
number FKJ993BZ found to have consisted of foreign parboiled rice N24, 489, 500
along the Shokoto-Ido-Doga Road Abeokuta, Ogun State.

“The foreign parboiled rice which was 12 bags was carefully concealed in the vehicle.
 Consequently, the vehicle and the contents were conveyed to the
Customs House Abeokuta for safekeeping. After conducting an
examination on the vehicle, the said amount was discovered and deposited
at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abeokuta branch for safekeeping.

“The vehicle was detained in line with Section 168 of the Nigerian Customs
 Service Act 2023. In connection to the above seizures, three suspects were
arrested, detained, granted administrative bail, and subsequently charged
to court for aiding smuggling,” Alade said.

He further adds that based on probe and recommendations, the CDC granted
approval for the release of the detained van and the money in line with the
 provision of sections 24, 8, 1and 2 of the Nigerian Customs Service Act 2023.