The Nigeria Customs Service has taken three suspects arrested in connection with Pangolins Scales and Elephants tusks worth over 22Billion to Court.

The Suspects made their first appearance before Hon. Justice Oweibo at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi the Lagos state capital.

But lack of a language interpreter stalled the Court Proceedings.

Smart Akande the Legal Adviser of the Nigeria Customs Service said, “Today we are in Court to arraign the suspects for the offense but unfortunately, we could not proceed because some of them are Foreigners and they are supposed to understand the Charges against them in a language they understand, so they can plea to the Charge”.

He further said the non-national Suspects, Mr Traora Yakubu, Muhammed Berete, and Mr Sediki Berete.. will still be in the Custody of the Service as directed by the Court, pending when the Court will Sit.

The Defense Counsel, Olayinka Lawal expresses hope that the Court’s scheduled sitting, slated for 26th of August, 2021 will further facilitate a smooth hearing.

The Kingpin Suspect, Myribine Berete still on the run, has been advised by the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service to surrender himself or be caught up by the arms of the Law.

He further said, Nigeria is a signatory to the convention of international trade on endangered species, hence cannot be used as a transit hub.

This act is also in contravention with schedule 6 of the Common External Tariff.