Customs Arraigns 3 Over Alleged Trafficking of Endangered Wildlife in Kano
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has arraigned three men before the Federal High Court in Kano over alleged illegal possession and trafficking of endangered wildlife species.
The defendants, Nasib Ahmed, Surajo Abdullahi and Mustapha Abdullahi, were arraigned on a two-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, illegal possession, and trafficking of protected wildlife.
The prosecution, led by counsel Mr Smart Akande, told the court that the defendants were intercepted by Customs operatives along the Kano-Daura Road on August 25, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation targeted at disrupting the trafficking of endangered wildlife along the route.
According to the prosecution, the suspects were found in possession of 48 live wildlife animals, including four caracal wild cats, four chimpanzees, two baby gorillas, seven red patas monkeys, two galagos (bush babies), one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet cat and 19 greater bustard birds.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to possess the animals, which it described as endangered species whose possession and trade are prohibited under relevant Nigerian laws.
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The charges were brought under the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act, as amended in 2016, and the National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species in International Trade) Regulations, 2011.
The Customs Service also said the operation was conducted pursuant to Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, as well as Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
When the two counts were read to the defendants before Justice S.M. Shuaibu, they all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution subsequently asked the court for time to present evidence relating to some of the seized animals, which are currently being kept under the care of wildlife specialists at the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, while others have reportedly been transferred to a wildlife conservation centre in Enugu for further care.
Counsel to the defendants, Mr Adamu Muhammad, thereafter moved an application for bail.
Justice Shuaibu fixed October 7, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and commencement of the prosecution’s case.
The judge subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in a correctional facility pending the hearing.
Speaking on the development, defence counsel Muhammad said the defendants had exercised their constitutional right to plead guilty or not guilty, adding that the prosecution now had the responsibility to establish its allegations with evidence.
The case was adjourned to October 7, 2026, for hearing of the bail application and commencement of trial.
By PRNigeria
