TheCable

The chief executive officers (CEOs) of 30 firms whose arrest warrants were issued over non-appearance before the senate joint committee on customs, excise and tariff, and marine transport, have finally appeared before the committee.

Hope Uzodinma, chairman of the committee made this known on Wednesday after a meeting with some of the companies in Abuja.

He said all the CEOs honoured the committee’s invitation after the arrest warrant was issued.

The companies are alleged to have been involved in the N30 trillion-revenue believed to have been lost by the country in its maritime sector.

The committee handling the investigation had invited 63 firms accused of complicity but only 33 honoured the invitation.

On Friday, the committee directed the police to arrest the CEOs.

The companies involved include Crown Flour Mills, Glo Mobile, British American Tobacco, CCECC, Dana Group, Olam Int. Ltd., Hong Xing Steel Co. Ltd., Visafone, African Wire, Star Comments and Allied Ltd. and Aarti Steel Nig. Ltd.

Others are Abyem-Diva Int. Ltd., Gagasel Int., Friesland Capina, Etco Nig., Edic Chemicals and Allied Distributors, De United Foods, Don Climax Group, Skill G Nig. Ltd., Premium Seafood and La Rauf Nig. Ltd.

Also involved are Standard Metallurgical Co. Ltd., Kam Industries, IBG Investment Ltd., Orazulike Trading Co. Ltd., Popular Foods Ltd., A-Kelnal Integrated & Logistics Services, African Industries, African Tiles & Ceramics and ZTE Nigeria.