A Federal High Court, in Abeokuta, has remanded two suspected smugglers for an alledged attack on officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ikeja Zone “A” Federal Operations Unit.
The suspected smugglers, Felarun Oluwasegun and Fakorede Jelili were arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in the Oke-Mosan Area of Abeokuta on Tuesday.
They were charged with three counts bordering on assault, illegal importation of 37 bags of foreign rice, and unlawful possession of contraband without paying stipulated customs fees.
Background
According to the report from the Customs Service, the defendants attacked the anti-smuggling unit on February 21, 2023.
They attacked the officers with “assorted charms and horse whips.” which were used to inflict pain and injury on the officers.
Two of the officers, Messrs Joseph and Echem sustained serious injuries during the attack at Owoyele axis of Igbogila, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
This incident occurred while the officers were on duty as anti-smuggling operatives.
In suit number FHC/AB/15C/2023, the custom’s prosecutor, Vivian Aigbadon, told the court that the defendants violated Section 11 (a), Cap “C45” of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA).
He stressed that the offense is punishable under the Nigerian federal law of 2004.
In a counter argument, the defense counsel, O. O. Oyedele, argued that the defendants sustained a vital injury during the incident, part of which includes bullet wounds.
He further prayed to the court to grant his client bail on the premises of his health condition.
Read Also : Court sentences drug dealer to 5 years in Lagos
Court`s decision
Ruling on the matter, Justice AA Demi-Ajayi, ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Correctional Centres within the court’s jurisdiction.
While he further adjourned the ruling on the bail application till May 30.
