Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi west, on Thursday raised the alarm wherein he named an aide to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, and the state government of being behind military apparels illegally imported into the country.
Sen. Melaye, while raising a Point of Order, also disclosed that the said items have been impounded by the Nigerian Customs Service at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
This prompted the Senate to expand the terms of reference given to its adhoc committee investigating the interception of arms and ammunitions to probe the alleged importation of military gears and ammunition by Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.
According to Senator Melaye who has been at daggers-drawn with the Governor, the items include: sewn military camouflages with bola hats, many bullet proof vests, night vision goggles, tactical boots, tactical knapsacks, training canvas, boxing gloves among others.
“Mr President, due to my private investigation, I got a very serious revelation yesterday and I am so happy that a committee constituted by the senate under the leadership of the ranking senator James Manager is in place.
”Mr President, few minutes ago, the Nigerian Customs intercepted sewn military camouflages with bola hats, many bullet proof vests, night vision goggles, tactical boots, tactical knapsacks, training canvas, boxing gloves etc.
“These items were intercepted by the Nigerian customs because they did not come with end user certificates. When you are bringing military equipment into the country they must come with end user certificate – certified by the National Security Adviser (NSA).” he said.
