The Nigeria Customs Service has brought charges against a Chinese national, Zheng Chao Hong, also known as Zheng Gaopeng, and a Nigerian woman, Amaka Marcus, for illegal possession of 7,200 kilograms of pangolin scales. The duo appeared before Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos, where they faced a three-count charge relating to conspiracy, unlawful possession, and the illegal trade of pangolin scales, a product derived from an endangered species of wildlife.
The pangolin scales, concealed in 179 sacks, were allegedly seized from the defendants on August 8, 2024, during an operation in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, and Ikeja, Lagos State. The prosecution, led by Michel Osong and Vivian Aigbadon, accused the defendants of attempting to sell the scales, further violating Nigerian wildlife protection laws.
The charges leveled against Zheng and Marcus contravene Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, as well as Section 7(3) of the National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species in International Trade) Regulations, 2011. These actions are punishable under Section 7(4) of the same regulation. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against them.
Following their not-guilty plea, the defense attorneys, A.O. Fashugba and Ernest Ukpai, requested bail for the accused, asking the court to grant the application on liberal terms. However, the prosecution opposed the bail request, arguing against its approval.
After considering the arguments presented, Justice Bogoro granted bail to Zheng and Marcus in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties for each defendant. One surety must be a Chinese national, while the other must own landed property within the jurisdiction of the court. The sureties are also required to submit affidavits of means and two passport photographs. The court ordered that the prosecution verify the authenticity of the land documents.
Justice Bogoro adjourned the trial to July 14, 2025, for further proceedings, ensuring that the investigation into the illegal wildlife trade continues.
