Dantata faces forfeiture bid over N2.31bn aircraft duty debt

The Nigeria Customs Service has asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to order the final forfeiture of three aircraft linked to businessman Sayyu Dantata over an alleged N2.31bn customs duty shortfall.

The aircraft, which Customs said are worth about $35m based on its valuation, comprise a 2011 Beechcraft King Air 350i, a 2013 Gulfstream G550 and a 2018 Robinson R66 helicopter.

Customs told the court that the applicable import duty was five per cent of the aircraft’s value. Based on the alleged N2,312,946,260 shortfall, the calculation implies a combined value of about N46.3bn.

The N46.3bn figure, however, is derived from Customs’ five per cent duty calculation rather than an independent valuation of the aircraft.

Market estimates cited in reports on the case put the 2013 Gulfstream G550 alone at close to $30m, although the actual value of an aircraft can vary according to its condition, equipment, maintenance history and flight hours.

The aircraft identified in the proceedings include a Beechcraft King Air 350i with serial number FL-750, a Gulfstream G550 with serial number 5455 and a Robinson R66 helicopter.

In its application, Customs alleged that the aircraft were brought into Nigeria without the required declarations, permits, approvals and payment of applicable duties.

The service further alleged that the respondents misrepresented or failed to disclose the actual purpose and status of the aircraft when they entered the country.

Customs said the alleged duty shortfall was uncovered during a verification exercise involving privately owned aircraft.

The agency is relying on sections 245 and 246 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 in seeking an order for the seizure, condemnation and forfeiture of the aircraft.

It is also asking the court to vest ownership, control and possession of the aircraft in the Nigeria Customs Service on behalf of the Federal Government and authorise the service to sell or otherwise dispose of them.

Customs said the orders were necessary to prevent the aircraft from being removed from Nigeria and to frustrate enforcement of any eventual order.

The motion, dated June 2026, names Dantata, Bestaf Services Limited and Metro Capital Limited as respondents.

The supporting affidavit was sworn by Simi Adamson of the Customs Service’s Legal Department.

Dantata is the founder and chairman of MRS Holdings and a half-brother of businessman Aliko Dangote.

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

The allegations made by Customs remain claims before the court and have not been established by a final judicial determination.