Nigerian Court Orders Forfeiture of Private Aircraft Over Customs Duty Violation

The Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria, issued a judgment on January 22 in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1085/2025, ordering the final seizure and condemnation of a Bombardier BD 700 Global 6000 aircraft with registration mark 9H-GVG and serial number 9470 owned by Orlean Invest Africa Limited. The Nigerian Customs Service had applied for the forfeiture, alleging that the aircraft violated customs laws by not paying appropriate duties and breaching import regulations.

Justice James Omotosho presided over the case and ruled that Orlean Invest Africa Limited failed to provide sufficient proof of compliance with customs laws, leading to the forfeiture order. Mr.

Okon Efut SAN, the principal partner at Okon N. Efut SAN & Associates, representing the Nigerian Customs Service, praised the court's decision to uphold the law and ensure compliance.

The court's ruling highlighted the grave breach of Nigerian laws and revenue loss due to the failure to pay customs duties, emphasizing the importance of adhering to customs regulations.