By: Alimatu Kargbo
A confidential Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation into the alleged manipulation of the National Revenue Authority’s (NRA) ASYCUDA revenue collection system does not identify Abu Kamara among the officials linked to the alleged revenue diversion scheme.
The report, which examined allegations of unauthorized deletion of customs payment records, abuse of office, conspiracy and the suspected misappropriation of public revenue, names ten individuals who were arrested and questioned during the investigation.
A review of the document shows that Abu Kamara is neither listed among those arrested nor mentioned in the sections detailing witness statements, investigative findings or recommendations.
The investigation concludes that the ASYCUDA system was compromised through unauthorized database-level deletions of customs declarations after payments had already been made. It also points to weak internal controls, failures in user access management, the continued use of dormant bank teller profiles and possible collusion between some functional ASYCUDA personnel and ICT officers.
While the report recommends disciplinary or administrative action against some individuals, it also recommends that others resume their duties where investigators found no sufficient evidence linking them to the alleged misconduct.
Moreover, the report makes no allegation against Abu Kamara and does not recommend any disciplinary measure in his regard.
The findings have renewed attention on the need for decisions affecting public officers to be guided by credible evidence. Where an official is not implicated in an investigation, governance experts say administrative decisions should reflect the available facts and follow due process.
The ACC further recommends sweeping reforms within the NRA, including tighter access controls, mandatory deactivation of dormant user accounts, stronger reconciliation procedures that enhanced audit trails, and a comprehensive review of the ASYCUDA platform to strengthen the integrity of government revenue collection.
The report has been submitted to the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission for consideration and further directives.
