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Aviation Ministry Under Scrutiny For Selling Two Helicopters Worth $4.8m For $1.2m

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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.

Crime

N1.3trn Fraud: EFCC Arrests Ex-Delta Gov, Ifeanyi Okowa

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion in 13% derivation funds intended for Delta State during his tenure.

Okowa, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, was detained after he voluntarily appeared at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt Directorate on Monday in response to an official summons.

READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes

According to an EFCC source, Okowa is accused of failing to account for the N1.3 trillion derived from the federation account, as well as an additional N40 billion he allegedly invested in shares of UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

The investigation suggests that Okowa acquired an 8% stake in a major Nigerian bank to support the offshore LNG venture, with funds purportedly misallocated from state resources.

Beyond the LNG shares, investigators are probing whether Okowa redirected state funds to acquire high-value properties in Abuja and Asaba.

Okowa is currently held at an EFCC facility in Port Harcourt as the inquiry continues.

The high-profile arrest comes as Okowa, who was the vice-presidential running mate to Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, faces scrutiny over his financial conduct in office.

 

 

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Crime

Court Orders Arrest Of Dana Air CEO In N1.3bn Fraud Case

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Amid repeated absences from court, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an arrest warrant for Hathiramani Ranesh, Managing Director of Dana Air, who faces charges of fraud and conspiracy tied to alleged misappropriations totaling N1.3 billion.

The ruling, handed down Monday by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, calls for Ranesh’s immediate arrest following his failure to respond to multiple court summonses.

READ MORE: Ibadan Man On Why He Used 76 Women For Ritual, Ate Others

Justice Egwuatu cited Section 184 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), empowering the court to issue an arrest warrant against defendants who evade appearance.

“The defendant is legally obligated to appear, and the court is authorized to issue a warrant for arrest if he does not,” Justice Egwuatu said, setting January 13, 2025, as the next court date, adding that no objections will be considered unless Ranesh is present.

Ranesh and two Dana Group subsidiaries—Dana Group PLC and Dana Steel Ltd—face serious allegations from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

Prosecutors claim that between 2014 and 2018, Ranesh and his companies engaged in fraudulent activities, including the unauthorized sale of industrial generators valued at N450 million, which had been pledged as collateral in a debenture agreement.

Additional charges allege the misappropriation of N864 million from bond funds meant for operations at the Dana Steel Rolling Factory in Katsina, and a N60.3 million transfer to an external account without authorization.

The charges, filed by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Moshood Adeyemi, cite violations under the Criminal Code Act.

In court, government lawyer Mojisola Okeya-Esho argued for the arrest warrant, stating that Ranesh had disregarded court orders to appear for arraignment.

Defense counsel B. Ademola-Bello challenged the prosecution, contending that jurisdictional issues must be addressed before proceeding with the case.

Justice Egwuatu dismissed these objections, underscoring that Ranesh’s presence in court is required before other arguments can be entertained.

The matter is now adjourned until January 13, 2025, with the warrant remaining active until the defendant is brought to court.

 

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Crime

Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed

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In a shocking act of violence, armed assailants targeted the Police Rapid Response Squad facility in Owerrinta early Monday morning, resulting in the tragic death of a female detainee.

The attack occurred shortly after midnight along the Umuahia-Aba Federal Expressway.

READ MORE: Edo Deputy Gov, Omobayo Ordered To Court Over Refusal To Vacate Office

State Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa confirmed the incident, revealing that the gunmen arrived in three Hilux vehicles and opened fire on the police facility.

“Our personnel successfully repelled the attack,” Isa stated.

However, the attackers resorted to using dynamite, causing significant damage to the building and exposing the detainees inside.

During the chaos, the gunmen attempted to free detainees, leading to the fatal shooting of the female suspect.

Unconfirmed reports suggest she was in custody related to a child trafficking case.

In the aftermath of the attack, police swiftly initiated a manhunt for the perpetrators, employing advanced technical methods to track their movements.

Commissioner Isa announced the arrest of one suspect, who is currently undergoing interrogation to uncover the identities of additional accomplices.

“We are making significant progress in our investigation,” he affirmed.

Authorities are calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as the investigation continues.

 

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