Senate rejects Magu again as EFCC Chairman; Threatens to arrest Customs’ boss

The Senate Wednesday at plenary rejected the nomination and confirmation of Ibrahim Magu as the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and ordered him to vacate and handover to his immediate Assistant.

The decision was based on a report by the Department of State Services, DSS, that Magu has failed the integrity test and will eventually constitute a liability to the anti corruption drive of the present administration.

Also Wednesday, the Senators resolved to issue an arrest warrant on the Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Services, Col. Hameed Ali if he refused to appear before the SenateThursday to brief them on some new Customs policies, notably the introduction of import duties on old vehicles.

Meanwhile the Service has bowed to the Senate to suspend the implementation of the payment of duties on old vehicle.

In a press statement signed by the Service’s Acting Public Relations Officer, Joseph Attah, Customs agreed that the proposed motor duty payment, though in line with the. Provision of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C.45,LFN 2004 should be put on hold while the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise interfaces with the NCS for further discussions.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali in a correspondence to the Senate requested time to seek legal interpretation on the decision of the Senate to wear uniform and for the Senate to do likewise.