Sayyu Dantata, the Nigerian businessman and half-brother of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, could lose three aircraft valued at about $35 million in a customs dispute over an alleged unpaid import bill of N2.31 billion ($1.75 million). The claim is a fraction of the reported value of the aircraft at stake.
The Nigeria Customs Service has asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to permanently confiscate the aircraft, alleging that the duty was not paid when they were brought into Nigeria. Customs said the applicable duty was 5 percent of their value, putting the combined valuation at about N46.3 billion ($35 million), based on its calculation.
The aircraft include a 2011 Beechcraft King Air 350i, serial number FL-750; a 2013 Gulfstream G550, serial number 5455; and a 2018 Robinson R66 helicopter. The Gulfstream accounts for most of the reported value, with comparable aircraft from that period listed internationally at prices approaching $30 million.
Customs seeks permanent forfeiture
Customs alleges the aircraft entered Nigeria without the required declaration, permit, approval or payment of duty. It also alleges that the respondents misrepresented or failed to disclose the aircraft’s actual purpose and status on entry, and said a recent verification exercise involving privately owned aircraft uncovered the alleged duty shortfall.
The agency is seeking a final order rather than a temporary restraint. In a motion dated June 2026, Customs asked the court to order seizure, condemnation and forfeiture of the aircraft under sections 245 and 246 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, with ownership vested in the federal government.
Customs also wants authority to sell or otherwise dispose of the aircraft, according to the motion. It said the order was necessary to prevent the aircraft from leaving Nigeria and frustrating enforcement. The supporting affidavit was sworn by Simi Adamson, a member of the service’s legal department.
$35 million fleet at stake
The case names Bestaf Services and Metro Capital as respondents alongside Dantata. The proceedings put a high-value group of private aircraft at the center of a customs claim that, at N2.31 billion, represents 5 percent of the combined value Customs attributes to the three aircraft.
Dantata is the son of Sanusi Dantata and the half-brother of Dangote, whose business interests span cement, sugar, fertilizer and oil refining. Forbes ranks Dangote as Africa’s richest person. Dantata founded MRS Group, a Nigerian energy business with interests across the downstream petroleum sector and related operations.
Dantata’s business interests also include Bestaf Lubricant Limited, which in 2023 unveiled a $450 million lubricant plant in Lagos. The 200 million-liter facility was described as the first of its kind in West Africa, with capacity to produce about 1,700 products across the lubricant value chain.
MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, before its delisting from the Nigerian Exchange, reported a sharp increase in revenue in 2024. Revenue rose to N312.23 billion ($235.4 million) from N182.31 billion ($137.5 million) in 2023, driven by stronger sales of Premium Motor Spirit, Automotive Gas Oil, aviation fuel and lubricants.
Dantata’s mansion remains on market
The customs dispute comes as Dantata’s other high-value assets have also drawn attention. His Banana Island mansion in Lagos has reportedly been on the market for $22 million for two years, but has yet to find a buyer at the asking price, according to reports about the property.
The mansion sits in Banana Island, one of Lagos’ most exclusive residential enclaves, where properties are associated with some of Nigeria’s wealthiest residents. Despite its location and exposure on property platforms, the listing has reportedly remained active without a buyer emerging at the owner’s stated price.
(Shore Africa)
