Senate Orders Customs to Return Rice Seized from Ibadan Markets
BAGS OF RICE
*It is a breach of customs act – senators
*Recalls similar seizure in Katsina led to dismissal of officer
By Onyinye Apeh
The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges Tuesday ordered the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Rtd Col Hameed Ali to esnure that officers of the Service return bags of rice and money seized from shops in popular Oja Oba market in Ibadan.
This followed a petition by Senator Kola Balogun who represents Oyo South Senatorial District complaining of the seizures.
The petition according to Senator Balogun was on behalf of the affected traders who said their shops were raided during which bags of rice and money were collected.
Following the petition, the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan had referred the matter to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to carry out an investigation on the allegation of looting by the Customs.
The Committee on Tuesday said the action of the Customs was wrong and unacceptable.
Ali who was represeted by his Assistant Comptroller General, Garba Mohammed, was asked to make sure that all that was taken from the traders are returned to them within two weeks.
According to the Committee members, the action of the Customs was a breach of Customs Act and the Executive Order.
The Committee members argued that what the Act signed by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 2007 allows is seizure 40 kilometeres radius to the border.
Chairman of the Panel, Senator Ayo Akinyelure, referred to a similar incident in Katsina state which led to the dismissal of the officer who carried out the operation.
*Recalls similar seizure in Katsina led to dismissal of officer
By Onyinye Apeh
The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges Tuesday ordered the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Rtd Col Hameed Ali to esnure that officers of the Service return bags of rice and money seized from shops in popular Oja Oba market in Ibadan.
This followed a petition by Senator Kola Balogun who represents Oyo South Senatorial District complaining of the seizures.
The petition according to Senator Balogun was on behalf of the affected traders who said their shops were raided during which bags of rice and money were collected.
Following the petition, the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan had referred the matter to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to carry out an investigation on the allegation of looting by the Customs.
The Committee on Tuesday said the action of the Customs was wrong and unacceptable.
Ali who was represeted by his Assistant Comptroller General, Garba Mohammed, was asked to make sure that all that was taken from the traders are returned to them within two weeks.
According to the Committee members, the action of the Customs was a breach of Customs Act and the Executive Order.
The Committee members argued that what the Act signed by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 2007 allows is seizure 40 kilometeres radius to the border.
Chairman of the Panel, Senator Ayo Akinyelure, referred to a similar incident in Katsina state which led to the dismissal of the officer who carried out the operation.
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