Nigeria Customs Seeks Forfeiture of Dantata's Aircraft

The Nigeria Customs Service has filed an application in the Federal High Court in Lagos seeking the permanent forfeiture of three aircraft associated with Sayyu Dantata, the founder of MRS Holdings. The application alleges that Dantata and two other respondents, Bestaf Services and Metro Capital, owe ₦2.31 billion in unpaid import duty.

The aircraft in question include a 2011 Beechcraft King Air 350i, a 2013 Gulfstream G550, and a 2018 Robinson R66 helicopter. Customs claims these aircraft entered Nigeria without the necessary declarations, permits, or payment of import duty, and that the respondents misrepresented their purpose upon entry.

The total alleged unpaid duty suggests a combined aircraft value of approximately ₦46.3 billion. The motion, dated June 2026, seeks to transfer ownership of the aircraft to the government, allowing Customs to manage or dispose of them legally.

The case has been adjourned until October 22, 2026, for further proceedings.