Wildlife Trafficking: Guinean Jailed As Customs’ Convictions Hits 11

BY MICHAEL AKINOLA 

The Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted a Guineanian, Mamoduo Barete, to two years imprisonment for trafficking and trading in pangolin scales, a prohibited and endangered wildlife species.

The conviction, secured by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), raised the Service’s convictions in illegal wildlife cases to no fewer than 11 between May and December 12, 2023

Tens of other wildlife trafficking suspects are standing trial in court, the NCS said in a statement yesterday.

The data came to light just as preparation for a successful Comptroller General of Customs Conference ( CGCs Conference ) is on.

“The Nigeria Customs Service is one organisation that is leading by example; they are doing the job and making the whole world proud through the unrelenting effort and coordination by the NCS Special Wildlife Office and the prosecutors.

This conviction, secured on the 7th of December 2023 is amongst the suspects arrested in a joint operation with the Wildlife Justice Commission in December 2022.

“Justice Yelim Bogoro convicted Mahmoud Berete, a Guinean, to two years imprisonment or a N500,000 fine.
“The period spent in the Nigeria customs service and Nigeria Correctional Services Centre shall be considered and computed,” the statement reads.

Remarkably, this is the 11th conviction of Illegal Wildlife Cases secured by Nigeria Customs Service, with many awaiting trial before the Nigerian courts.

“How else can one celebrate these achievements than with a successful Comptroller General of Customs Conference ( CGCs Conference ) starting tomorrow in Lagos, Nigeria .

“NCS and WJC partnership is one that works, and they are committed to continuing working together to target these transnational organized Crime networks.”

Barete was found guilty of conspiracy, trafficking and trading in pangolin scales, a prohibited and endangered wildlife species, an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of Criminal Code Act, 2004.