The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos has made a decisive ruling, confirming the permanent forfeiture of 20 vehicles smuggled from Canada to Nigeria. Justice Deinde I. Dipeolu’s judgment on Monday, July 15, endorsed the motion brought forth by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), culminating in the cars being surrendered to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Among the vehicles now forfeited are a range of distinctive models: “Black colour SUV 400, White 4MATIC Mercedez Benz; SUV MDX SH-AWD Acura; Grey colour SUV RS 350L Lexus; Deep Blue SUV RX 350 Lexus, White Toyota 4Runner 2015; White 2020 model Lexus RX 350; White 2019 Lexus RX 350, Black 2020 Model Lexus RX350, and Black Honda Ridgeline 2017 Model.” Additionally, included are “White Lexus RX 350 SPORT 2019 Model; Grey Lexus RX 350 2019 Model; Grey Toyota 4Runner 2018 Model; White Lexus RX 350 FS Sport 2019 Model; White Toyota Highlander XLE AWD 2017 Model; Black Toyota Highlander 2020 Model; Black Toyota Highlander 2018 Model; Black Mercedez Benz G550 2019 Model; Red Lexus Rx 350 2016 Model and White Mercedez Benz GLA 250 2018 Model.”
The judicial process began earlier when Justice Dipeolu initially ordered the temporary seizure of these vehicles on May 27, 2024. This directive also mandated public notification through a national newspaper, inviting potential claimants to appear in court and contest the forfeiture.
During the recent hearing, the EFCC, represented by R.A. Abdulrasheed, confirmed compliance with the court’s publication requirements. Abdulrasheed substantiated the EFCC’s petition with a detailed affidavit sworn by Olufemi Olukini, an EFCC investigator, and a comprehensive legal argument.
The affidavit disclosed critical intelligence: “In April 2022, a meeting held at 7A Okoti-Eboh Street, Ikoyi Lagos, between officials of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCM) and EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Command, disclosed credible information to the EFCC. This revealed that over 350 vehicles, meticulously cataloged with their Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), had been stolen from various locations in Canada and illicitly shipped to Nigeria.”
The investigation also uncovered that these vehicles were actively marketed online and through local car dealerships across Nigeria. Surveillance operations pinpointed their locations in Lagos, particularly in areas like Lekki, awaiting sale or clearance at Nigerian ports.
Further details from the affidavit highlighted ongoing efforts: “Approximately 40 of the stolen vehicles were initially identified, leading to a previous forfeiture order in another case. Subsequently, additional vehicles listed in schedules 1 and 2 of the current application were located, necessitating this subsequent legal action.”
The affidavit reinforced that these vehicles, numbered 13 through 20 in the schedules, were part of the stolen inventory shipped from Canada. Despite public notification, no individual came forward to claim ownership, confirming their dubious origins.
Moreover, it was established that many of these vehicles were insured, and the respective insurance companies had reimbursed the rightful owners. Consequently, the insurance companies transferred their rights to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police liaison officer at the Canadian Embassy in Nigeria to pursue their claims.
Based on these findings, the court had already granted an interim forfeiture on May 27, 2024, with the publication order executed accordingly.
In his concluding remarks, Abdulrasheed appealed for a final forfeiture order, urging the court to empower the Canadian Deputy High Commission in Nigeria or its designate to manage the disposal of the forfeited vehicles. This would include options for sale or return to the victims, subject to remitting a statutory two percent to the EFCC Recovery Account.
Consequently, Justice Dipeolu, after reviewing the submissions, issued the final decree for the forfeiture of the vehicles to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
In summary, the ruling marks a significant milestone in the EFCC’s efforts to combat transnational economic crimes, affirming Nigeria’s commitment to upholding international legal standards and ensuring justice in cases of cross-border theft and illicit activities.
