2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Other Luxury Cars Impounded in Customs Anti-Smuggling Drive in Ogun

Nigeria’s customs officials have impounded three luxury cars including a 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost that were being smuggled into Nigeria from Benin Republic through the Idiroko border post in Ogun State.

The 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost’s duty paid value is put at N905 million while the 2014 4matic Benz duty paid value is N21.4 million, and a 2018 Honda Accord duty paid value is estimated at N32.2 million.

Comptroller Godwin Otunla of the Ogun 1 Area Command announced the seizures during a media briefing on Thursday.

Persecondnews reports that Ogun State, which shares a border with the Benin Republic, has two major border posts: Idiroko in Ipokia council area and Ilara in Imeko-Afon council area.

The Ilara border is particularly notable for its unique tourist appeal.

For example, one bungalow in the town is split between two countries, with one half in Nigeria and the other in the Benin Republic.

Comptroller Godwin Otunla stated that the total value of the seized vehicles is N958.6 million, emphasizing that the operation is part of the command’s ongoing efforts to protect the national economy and combat smuggling.

Otunla restated the command’s commitment to combating smuggling, saying, “We remain vigilant, resolute, and unyielding. No matter the sophistication of your tricks, our officers will continue to thwart your antics, and we shall bring the full weight of the law against you.”

The command also seized other contrabands, including 4424 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 1936 parcels of cannabis sativa (hemp).

In addition to the seizures, the command generated a total revenue of N45,054,191.00 in July 2025, representing a 27.47% increase from the corresponding month in 2024.

Otunla attributed the growth to enhanced compliance drive, improved monitoring of border activities, and robust stakeholder engagement.

He commended the operatives of the command for their resilience and dedication, while also appreciating the support of other security agencies and patriotic members of the border communities.

According to him, the command has been working closely with other security agencies, including the NDLEA, to combat smuggling.

Otunla said he had handed over the seized illicit drugs to the Commander of the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command, Ekundayo Williams, for further investigation and necessary action.