Lack of interpreter stalls trial of 2 Chinese nationals, Nigerian accused of importing N5bn substandard tyres

THE proposed trial of two Chinese nationals and a Nigerian who were accused of allegedly importing N5 billion worth of substandard tyres into the country was on Monday stalled due to the absence of a Chinese interpreter.

Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of a Federal High Court in Lagos, on Monday, had to fix July 5, for continuation of trial of two Chinese, nationals Tao Shen and Jing Yau.

The trial of the accused could not proceed due to the absence of an interpreter for the accused persons.

Shen, 36, and Yau, 22, were charged alongside a Nigerian, Chinedu Madubuike and two companies, Sino Nig Import and export Ltd, and Nedeca International Ltd.

The accused are standing trial on four counts bordering on importation of substandard products.

They were arraigned on March 20, and had each pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court had granted them bail in the sum of N10 million each with two sureties each in like sum.

The court also ordered the two companies charged to submit a bond in the sum of N10 million.

Justice Olatoregun consequently fixed July 5 for continuation of trial.

The accused persons were said to have committed the offence in February (this year) by conspiring to import tyres which did not meet the relevant Nigeria industrial standard.

The accused were said to have imported the tyres which did not comply with the mandatory Nigeria standard, on account of their stuffing different sizes into one, thereby making the tyres to be unfit for its purpose.

The tyres were said to have failed to meet the relevant Nigerian industrial standard and likely to endanger human lives.

They were alleged to have stuffed various sizes of tyres into one, knowing knowing that it is dangerous action injurious to human life