N2.3bn Duty Claim: Nigerian Oil Billionaire Sayyu Dantata Risks N46.3bn Aircrafts’ Forfeiture

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to order the seizure and forfeiture of three aircraft linked to businessman Sayyu Dantata over an alleged N2.31 billion unpaid import duty.

The application, filed in June 2026, lists Dantata, Bestaf Services and Metro Capital as respondents.

The aircraft named in the suit are a 2011 Beechcraft King Air 350i, with serial number FL-750; a 2013 Gulfstream G550, serial number 5455; and a 2018 Robinson R66 helicopter.

Customs is seeking a final order for the seizure, condemnation and forfeiture of the aircraft under Sections 245 and 246 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

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The service is also asking the court to vest ownership and possession of the aircraft in the Federal Government, with authority to sell or otherwise dispose of them.

According to the court documents, the NCS calculated the alleged outstanding duty at N2,312,946,260, based on a five per cent duty rate.

Using that calculation, the combined value of the three aircraft was put at approximately N46.3 billion.

The Customs Service alleged that the aircraft were brought into Nigeria without the required declaration, permits, approvals or payment of applicable import duties.

It further alleged that the respondents misrepresented or failed to properly declare the actual purpose and status of the aircraft when they were imported.

The NCS maintained that privately owned aircraft permanently based in Nigeria are liable to import duty and said the alleged liability was uncovered during a recent verification exercise involving privately owned aircraft.

The agency told the court that forfeiture was necessary to prevent the aircraft from being removed from Nigeria and to ensure that enforcement of the alleged customs liability was not frustrated.

The supporting affidavit was sworn by Simi Adamson, a member of the NCS legal department.

Dantata is the founder of MRS Holdings, a downstream petroleum business with fuel stations and other interests across Nigeria. He is also a half-brother of billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote and a member of the prominent Dantata business family of Kano.

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