Reps probe Customs over smuggling allegation

This decision was made today during a plenary session, following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance introduced by Oluwaseun Whingan, the representative for Badagry Federal Constituency in Lagos State.

Whingan referenced an incident earlier this month in Badagry, where a journalist was assaulted while trying to record video footage of activities in an area he described as a “smuggling zone.”

The lawmaker expressed concerns over the behavior of Customs officers during the incident.

He called for an investigation into the legal framework governing the Nigerian Customs Service and the conduct of its officers while performing their duties.

The motion has been referred to the Committee on Customs and Excise for further examination.

Additionally, during the plenary session, a bill aimed at amending the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000 passed its second reading.

The bill, sponsored by Hon. Akiolu Moshood Kayode, who represents Lagos Island, includes provisions for mandatory counselling and training for individuals convicted of corruption-related offenses.

During the debate, Kayode explained that the bill proposes to amend Section 67 of the Principal Act by adding three new provisions.

These stipulate that magistrates and judges should not only impose prison sentences and fines on convicts of corruption-related offenses but also require them to undergo mandatory counselling and training.

In discussing the bill’s general principles, Kayode emphasized the strong link between mental disposition and the tendency toward the illicit accumulation of wealth, which underscores the need for compulsory anti-corruption counselling and training for offenders.