A pangolin, phtoto by Google
Three businessmen, James Igboeze, Mbah Chinedu Christopher, Steven Chinonso (a.k.a. Chukwunonso Stephen Obunadike) were today, arraigned by the operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for alleged conspiracy, unlawful dealing and selling of pangolin scales.
The three men were arraigned before the court presided over by Justice Yellim Bogoro on the alleged crimes.
Arraigning the three men, the prosecutors, Vivian Aigbadon and Michael Osong, told the court that they were arrested with the prohibited pangolin scales, following intelligence provided by Wildlife Justice Commission, international foundation set up in 2015,
The prosecutors also told the court that the defendants’ actions, contravened section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The prosecutors further told their actions are contrary to section 5(1) of the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) (Amendment) Act, 2016 and punishable under section 5(1)(a) of the same Act. And section 7(3) of the National Environmental (Protection Endangered Species in International Trade Regulations, 2011, and punishable under section 7(4) of the same Act.
The businessmen have however denied commiting the crimes.
Following their denial, their lawyers, Chukwu Agwu and Olayinka M. Lawal, told the court that they have filed their clients’ bail application and same have been served on the prosecutors.
The position which was confirmed by the Nigeria Customs’ counsel.
Following the submissions of counsel, and upon arguing the bail applications, the judge adjourned the matter to May 23, for the ruling on the bail applications.
The judge however ordered that the three businessmen be remanded at the Kirikiri facility of the NCos pending the ruling on their bail applications.
Charges against the businessman read: “That you, James Igboeze, Mbah Chinedu Christopher, Steven Chinonso (a.k.a. Chukwunonso Stephen Obunadike) and others now at large, on or about the 2nd day of April, 2025, at Alatise Area of Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, Lagos, did conspire among yourselves to commit a felony, to wit: offering for sale of Pangolin Scales, which are wildlife animals classified as endangered species and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“That you, James Igboeze, Mbah Chinedu Christopher, Steven Chinonso (a.k.a. Chukwunonso Stephen Obunadike) and others now at large, on or about the 2nd day of April, 2025, at Alatise Area of Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, Lagos, were found to be in possession of 3, 761.11 kilogrames of Pangolin Scales, endangered species which possession is absolutely prohibited and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 5(1) of the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) (Amendment) Act, 2016 and punishable under section 5(1)(a) of the same Act.
“That you, James Igboeze, Mbah Chinedu Christopher, Steven Chinonso (a.k. Chukwunonso Stephen Obunadike) and others now at large, on or about 2nd day of April, 2025, at Alatise Area of Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, Lagos, offered for sale 3,761.11 kilograms of Pangolin Scales, which are wildlife animal an endangered species, which trade absolutely prohibited in the First Schedule of the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act and thereby committed an offen contrary to section 7(3) of the National Environmental (Protection Endangered Species in International Trade Regulations, 2011, and punishable under section 7(4) of the same Act.”
