Crime
Aviation Ministry Under Scrutiny For Selling Two Helicopters Worth $4.8m For $1.2m
Officials from the Ministry of Aviation are facing intense scrutiny for allegedly selling two helicopters, originally purchased for $4.8 million, to private individuals for just $1.2 million.
The transaction has sparked widespread outrage, particularly because several government agencies, including the Nigerian Air Force, Navy, and police, had expressed interest in the helicopters.
In response, Ademorin Kuye, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Assets, has ordered the arrest of the ministry officials involved.
Hon. Ademorin Kuye voiced deep concern over the sale’s impact, stating, “This is a blatant misuse of public assets. Lives have been lost due to the unavailability of these helicopters, which were sold off without proper consideration.”
Technical reports from Zaria, Kaduna State, detailed that one helicopter had only 42 flight hours, while the other had 46.
Despite their minimal use and excellent condition, the helicopters were reportedly sold without sufficient consultation with potential government buyers.
Hon. Kuye emphasised “we provided proof of maintenance and received interest from other government entities. It is unacceptable that despite the clear demand from government agencies, these helicopters were auctioned off at a fraction of their value.”
The auction, reportedly held on May 24th, concluded with both helicopters being sold for $1.2 million, as indicated by internal memos accessed by sources.
Concerns have been raised about the transparency and documentation of the sale process.
Hon. Kuye pointed out significant discrepancies in the conduct of this auction, highlighting concerns about procedural irregularities.
“The Ministry of Aviation must be held accountable for this negligence and lack of transparency,” he emphasized.
Social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on orders from Police Commissioner Igwe of the Federal Capital Territory Command.
According to activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju, VeryDarkMan was being detained for allegedly exposing an individual involved in defrauding a Nigerian abroad.
Adeyanju criticized the Police for opting to arrest VeryDarkMan for defamation instead of pursuing the alleged fraudster.
He stated, “Our client, @thatverydarkman has just been arrested by the police on the instruction of CP Igwe for exposing someone who allegedly duped a Nigerian abroad. Instead of the police to arrest the person alleged to have duped someone, they arrested VDM on allegation of defamation.”
The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the deaths of eight individuals, including a female suicide bomber and her baby, following an explosion at Mararraba ‘T’ Junction in Gwoza local government area.
Fifteen others were injured in the blast.
The incident occurred on Saturday, as reported by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso.
According to Daso, the female suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) wrapped with her baby at the busy junction, resulting in the casualties.
He said “The suicide bomber wrapped a baby on her back with the IED and detonated it when people were accessing the popular Mararaba ‘T’ Junction on Saturday in Gwoza town on Saturday, the 29 of June.
“Eight persons, including the suicide bomber and the baby died while 15 others sustained various degrees of injuries.”
Tragedy struck on Saturday when a female suicide bomber detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at a wedding venue in Gwoza town.
The attack has left several guests dead and many others injured.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bomber, who was carrying a baby on her back, infiltrated the wedding celebration before detonating the explosive.
The exact number of casualties is still unclear, but numerous injured individuals have been transported to Gwoza General Hospital for treatment.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, and the investigation is ongoing.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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