EFCC recovers N56bn undeclared import duties in 3 weeks

Posted by admin EFCC Politics, Latest Politics Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

A presidential task force spearheaded by 20 operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered about N56 billion under-declared import duties in three weeks at the Lagos Port.

The spokesperson of the commission, Mr Femi Babafemi, confirmed the recovery, while reacting to reports that the operatives were withdrawn from the assignment over allegation of high-handedness.

The commission noted that instead of the reports that its officials attached to the joint physical examination task force at the sea port and Muritala Muhammed Airport command were ordered back to their offices by the Federal Government, they concluded their assignment with over N56 billion recovered within three weeks.

Though the EFCC did not give detailed breakdown of how the money was recovered, it was gathered that the amount was the outcome of the joint efforts of the EFCC and sister agency, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), in collaboration with men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

However, reports on Monday had it that the Federal Government allegedly ordered the EFCC and ICPC officials back to their respective offices, following complaint of high-handedness and over-bearing attitude by undisclosed stakeholders.

It was also reported that the departure of the EFCC operatives and those of the ICPC was confirmed by the management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to media men in Lagos.

Though the reports did not give any other reason for the said celebrations by stakeholders, it went further to state that “a letter signed by Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG) in charge of Headquarters services, Musa Tahir on behalf of the Customs helmsman, Dikko Abdullahi and dated February 4th, 2011 informed all Customs Area Controllers (CAC) at the seaports and Muritala Mohammed Airport Command of the new development.

“The letter with reference number NCS/ADM/MGT/012/s/43/C and addressed to “All Area Controllers at the seaports and MMAC” read in part, “I am directed to bring to your notice, that officers of EFCC and ICPC who participated in the Joint Physical Examination Task Force, have reported back to their organization”

Babafemi while explaining the reason for the operatives’ departure from Lagos stated that “It is not true, they have finished the assignment given to them and have recovered N56billion in three weeks. They are back to the office” he added while refusing to speak further on the matter”.

-Tribunewp_posts