By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Nigeria Customs Service has approached the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking the seizure and forfeiture of three aircraft linked to businessman Sayyu Dantata over an alleged N2.31 billion unpaid import duty.

The motion, filed in June 2026, listed Dantata, Bestaf Services and Metro Capital as respondents in the case involving the aircraft.

The aircraft identified in the court proceedings are a 2011 Beechcraft King Air 350i, with serial number FL-750; a 2013 Gulfstream G550, with serial number 5455; and a 2018 Robinson R66 helicopter.

The Customs Service is asking the court for a final order for the seizure, condemnation and forfeiture of the aircraft pursuant to Sections 245 and 246 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The agency is also seeking an order vesting ownership and possession of the aircraft in the Federal Government, with authority to sell or otherwise dispose of them in accordance with the law.

According to the court filing, the Customs Service calculated the alleged outstanding duty at N2,312,946,260, based on a five per cent duty rate. The agency’s calculation puts the combined value of the three aircraft at approximately N46.3 billion.

The Customs Service alleged that the aircraft were brought into Nigeria without the required declaration, permits, approvals or payment of applicable import duties. It further alleged that the respondents either misrepresented or failed to properly declare the actual purpose and status of the aircraft upon their entry into the country.

The agency maintained that privately owned aircraft permanently based in Nigeria are subject to applicable import duties. It said the alleged liability was discovered during a verification exercise involving privately owned aircraft operating in the country.

The Customs Service told the court that the forfeiture application was necessary to prevent the aircraft from being removed from Nigeria in a manner that could frustrate enforcement of the alleged customs liability.

The supporting affidavit was sworn by Simi Adamson, a member of the legal department of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Dantata is the founder of MRS Holdings, a downstream petroleum business with operations across Nigeria. He is also a half brother of businessman Aliko Dangote and a member of the prominent Dantata business family of Kano.

The case has been adjourned until October 22, 2026, for continuation of hearing.