A Chinese man, Zheng Chao Hong (also known as Zheng Gaopeng), and a Nigerian woman, Amaka Marcus, have been arraigned by the Nigeria Customs Service before the Federal High Court in Lagos for the illegal possession and attempted sale of 7,200 kilogrammes of pangolin scales. The endangered wildlife parts were found hidden in 179 sacks and linked to activities in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, and Ikeja, Lagos State. The duo faced a three-count charge involving conspiracy, unlawful possession, and illegal dealing in endangered species.
Prosecutors Michel Osong and Vivian Aigbadon stated that the offence occurred on August 8, 2024, violating both the Criminal Code Act and environmental protection regulations. Despite pleading not guilty, the prosecution opposed their bail applications, while defence lawyers A. O. Fashugba and Ernest Ukpai requested bail in liberal terms.
Justice Yellim Bogoro granted bail to both defendants at N5 million each, with two sureties required for each. One surety must be a Chinese national, and the other must possess property within the court’s jurisdiction. The sureties must also submit affidavits of means, passport photographs, and valid land documents for verification. The trial has been adjourned to July 14, 2025.
