Shafiu denies claims

Former head of customs Ibrahim Shafiu of M. Baaranaa has denied claims made against him by the state, alleging him of having abused his position to influence decisions to benefit a certain party, regarding the import of two speedboats by Sultans of the Seas in 2007.

Shafiu denied these allegations and said that his lawyer will speak on his behalf.

Shafiu’s lawyer Mohamed Faisal requested for the opportunity to respond to the claims.

Presenting the claim at the hearing held at Criminal Court today, the state lawyer said that the investigation department of Customs had concluded that Sultans of the Seas had forged the prices of two speedboats imported by them on 14 December 2007 and 25 March 2007, which was against the Import Export Regulations. Shafiu and Customs valuation committee had been subsequently ordered to impose a fine on Sultans of the Seas, which they never did.

The state therefore alleged Shafiu of having abused his position to influence a decision such that it benefitted another party.

Judge of Criminal Court gave Shafiu seven days to respond to the claims made against him, before concluding today’s hearing.

The state has also alleged Shafiu and several former senior officers of Customs of having illegally reduced the duty for a crane imported by Centre Enterprises in 2008.