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In a recent development, the Ogun Area Command II of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has made the decision to release a bullion van which was impounded in April 2022. The van was initially seized due to its involvement in the smuggling of 12 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice and the transportation of N24.4 million. This bullion van, bearing the registration number FKJ 993 BZ, was found to be the property of an Access Bank branch in Abeokuta.

The release of the van and the money, handed over to Bankers Warehouse Ltd. and Access Bank officials in Abeokuta, was confirmed by Customs Area Controller, Olusola Alade. He revealed that the decision to release the van and funds was made by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, on compassionate grounds following a thorough investigation into the matter.

Furthermore, three suspects involved in the smuggling incident were apprehended, detained, and subsequently charged to court, according to Alade. The 12 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice hidden within the vehicle led to its detention, and the rice was confiscated in accordance with Section 168 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

After a meticulous inspection of the vehicle, the substantial sum of money discovered was deposited at the Abeokuta branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for safekeeping. The subsequent appeal by Bankers Warehouse Ltd and Access Bank for the release of the impounded van and money was based on compassionate grounds and received approval from the Customs’ Comptroller-General in accordance with section 248 (1) and (2) of the NCS Act, 2023.

This development serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat smuggling activities and related offenses within the nation. The release of the bullion van and seized funds illustrates the application of both investigative rigor and compassionate consideration in the administration of justice.

Overall, the latest decision by the Nigeria Customs Service exemplifies the delicate balance between enforcing the law and considering extenuating circumstances, ultimately upholding the principles of justice and accountability.