Orlean Invest Appeals Court Ruling on Aircraft Forfeiture in Nigeria

Orlean Invest Africa Limited has formally appealed a Federal High Court Abuja judgment ordering the seizure and forfeiture of a Bombardier BD 700 Global 6000 aircraft in Nigeria. The company, represented by its lead counsel Mr.

Ama Etuwew SAN, argues that the court's decision was reached without sufficient evidence and constitutes a serious miscarriage of justice. Orlean Invest Africa maintains that the aircraft does not belong to them, presenting evidence that it was flown to Nigeria strictly on a charter basis and remains in the country temporarily.

The company contests the court's conclusion that the aircraft was imported into Nigeria, pointing out that it was last in the country in 2018. Orlean Invest Africa also challenges the court's refusal to set aside an ex parte order for the aircraft's seizure, alleging that it was based on unsubstantiated claims by the Nigerian Customs Service.