By Sandra Umeh
The trial of two Chinese , Tao Shen and Jing Yau, over alleged importation of fake and substandard tyres will begin on 20 March.
Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of a Federal High Court in Lagos set the new date when the interpreter that was vital in the case failed to appear.
The Chinese, 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, on four counts of importation of substandard products.
Mr Babatunde Alajogun appeared for the prosecution, while Mr Victor Okpara announced his appearance for the defendants.
The case , however, did not go on due to the absence of a Chinese interpreter, who was expected to translate the charges to them in Chinese language.
The trial judge, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, consequently, ordered that an interpreter be produced in court at the next adjourned date for the accused to take their plea.
The accused 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.
They were alleged to have stuffed various sizes of tyres into one, knowing same to be in a dangerous state, or being dangerous to human life.
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 unfit for use.
The tyres were said to have failed to meet the relevant Nigerian industrial standards and were likely to endanger human lives.
Also, the accused were alleged to have failed to furnish returns on the conditions of the imported tyres as required by law.
The counts contravened the Sections 320 and 510 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation, 2004.
They were also said to have contravened Sections 26 and 32 of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act, No 14, Laws of the Federation, 2004.
NAN
