The Acting Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu has called on the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, to brace up and support the EFCC in tackling illegal Bureau de Change operators in Rivers State.
Magu made this call on Thursday, April 4, 2019 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State through the Port Harcourt’s Zonal Head of the EFCC, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, while on a Courtesy Visit to the Comptroller of Immigration, Rivers State Command, I. U. Panshekara.
According to him, many high-end Bureau de Change operators in Rivers State are foreigners operating illegally in the State and breaching extant rules on currency and foreign exchange transactions.
“We have credible reports that many high-end Bureau de Change operators in Rivers State are foreigners and are operating illegally. We are worried about this. Some of your men are said to be giving them covers and we feel we should draw your attention to this. This development is being exploited by fraudulent elements to commit crimes. This should not be allowed to continue”, he said.
He also appealed to the Immigration Service to guide against re- issuance of Passports to suspects facing trial in courts.
“Owners of seized passports are always seeking ways to get them re- issued. This is worrisome and we want your Service to guide against this”, he added.
In his response, the Comptroller said that his Service was already cracking down on illegal Bureau de Change operators in the State by reviewing their documentation.
“Those without documentation are being dealt with. We are aware and we are on ground”, he said.
The Comptroller also promised that suspects seeking re-issuance of their passports cannot succeed with the Immigration Service “because we will always work with you in this regard. We welcome any request you may forward to us for assistance”, he assured.
Bawa sought more cooperation from the Immigration Service stressing that the Service had useful roles to play in the task of fighting economic and financial crimes.
He reminded the Comptroller of the whistle-blowing policy of the government and appealed that the Service joined hands with the EFCC in ensuring the success of policy.
