Delta Businessman Takes Legal Action Against Customs CG Over Lexus 460 Dispute

Delta Businessman Takes Legal Action Against Customs CG Over Lexus 460 DisputeMr. Onainor Patrick Ewere, a businessman from Delta State, has filed a lawsuit against the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service and others in the Federal High Court in Asaba. The suit, numbered FHC/ASB/CB/115/2024, concerns the ownership of a Lexus GX 460, Chassis Number JTJBM7FX6C5045457.

In the writ of summons dated October 4, 2024, Mr. Onainor, represented by his attorney Mrs. Franca Ewere, claims to be the rightful owner of the vehicle and seeks a court declaration affirming his entitlement to it. He argues that the auction sale of the vehicle by the first and second defendants to a fifth party is illegal and invalid.

Onainor asserts that he had previously cleared the vehicle with Customs at Tincan Island, Lagos, having paid all necessary fees, including N700,440 in duties. However, when he sought to retrieve the vehicle, he was confronted by officers who demanded an additional N2,500,000 in duties. Despite showing proof of his prior payments, they took the vehicle, stating it would be held in Benin City until the duty issue was resolved.

Onainor claims no seizure notice was given before the vehicle was taken, and his attempts to locate it since 2018 have been unsuccessful. He visited various Customs offices but was told the vehicle was not in custody. Reports indicated that the vehicle, originally white, had been repainted black after being allegedly stolen in 2018. It was later intercepted by police in July 2024, leading to the arrest of Mr. Utienyinrestsola, who failed to prove ownership.

The court has commanded the defendants to respond within 30 days, warning that judgment may proceed in their absence.

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