Customs Releases Seized Bullion Van and N24 Million to Access Bank After Investigation

The Ogun Area Command II of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has provided clarification regarding the release of a bullion van that was seized in April 2022 for carrying smuggled foreign parboiled rice and a sum of N24 million belonging to Access Bank.

Customs Area Controller, Olusola Alade, revealed to reporters in Abeokuta that the van was impounded after it was discovered to be transporting 12 bags of 50kg smuggled foreign parboiled rice. Additionally, it was found to contain N24.4 million in cash. The bullion van, bearing registration number FKJ 993 BZ and identified as belonging to Bankers Warehouse, was confiscated by a joint border patrol team along the Sokoto-ljoun/Joga road in the Abeokuta axis.

Following an investigation, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, ordered the release of the bullion van and the money to Bankers Warehouse Ltd. and Access Bank on compassionate grounds. Alade further stated that three suspects connected to the smuggling incident had been apprehended and charged to court.

The seized foreign parboiled rice was concealed within the vehicle and was subsequently converted to seizure in accordance with Section 168 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. The money was discovered during an examination of the vehicle and was deposited at the Abeokuta branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for safekeeping.

Bankers Warehouse Ltd. and Access Bank appealed to the Customs’ Comptroller-General for the release of the van and money. Following the investigation and recommendations of the NCS Investigation Unit, the Comptroller-General approved the release based on compassionate grounds and in line with Section 248 (1) and (2) of the NCS Act, 2023.

Source: PM News