THE Senate yesterday passed for third reading a bill seeking cooperation with other countries to repatriate and prosecute alleged corrupt Nigerians and their accomplices staying outside the country.
The Executive Bill is entitled: “A Bill for an Act to make provision for mutual assistance in criminal matters between Nigeria and other foreign states and for related matters, 2016”
Senate Leader Ali Ndume led the debate on the general principles of the bill.
It went through a brief debate before being referred to the committees on Judiciary, Foreign Affairs and Anti-corruption.
The committees are expected to come up with a report after a public hearing in two weeks.
Ndume, in his lead debate, noted that the legislation would fast-track the prosecution of Nigerians and their accomplices abroad with loot from the country and strengthen President Muhammadu Buhari’s war on corruption.
Deputy Senate Leader Ibn Na’Allah urged the Senate to support the passage of the bill to hasten the battle against graft across borders.
Na’Allah said: “Let’s agree to fight transborder crimes. This bill, besides meeting the international requirements to fight crime and the war on corruption is a serious bill that deserves attention.”
Senator Chukwuemeka Utazi (Enugu North) urged the Senate to approve its passage into law without hesitation.
Senate President Bukola Saraki agreed that the bill was key to the fight against corruption.
Saraki referred it to the committees of Judiciary, Foreign Affairs and Anti-corruption for a public hearing and report back in two weeks.
The Senate received reports of its committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and Special Duties on fuel scarcity.
The report was presented by Senator Jibrin Barau (Kano North-APC).