The Senate has asked the police to arrest Chief Executives of 30 firms for failing to appear before its committee probing national revenue loss.

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.

Chairman of the committee, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, at the committee’s meeting gave the order on Friday in Abuja.

The companies include Glo mobile, Crown Flour Mills, 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.

The Senate Joint Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff and Marine Transport said only 33 honoured the invitation.

Uzodinma said the refusal of the officials to honour the invitation in spite of several reminders was disrespect for the National Assembly.

“It is no longer going to be business as usual.

“We have directed the Nigeria Police to arrest the heads of the firms and bring them before us.

“If we can suspend our recess as lawmakers to see to the end of this investigation, I see no reason why the firms that have been indicted will not come to defend themselves,” he said.

Azeez