Aviation
We are Ready to Prosecute Stella Oduah – EFCC
ABUJA – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has expressed its readiness to investigate and prosecute the Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, over the N255 million armoured car scandal.
Towards this end, it was learnt last night that it has started to invite parties involved in the transaction, starting from officials of Coscharis Motors and First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FBN), for interrogation.
The commission, through its Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, however said there were procedures to follow.
Uwujaren in a telephone conversation with reporters yesterday in Abuja said the commission was on top of the situation and would do everything within the confines of the EFCC Act to justify its mandate.
“There are procedures to follow in doing these things; we are already on top of the situation,” he said.
Asked whether the commission would meet the November 8 ultimatum issued to it by human rights lawyer Femi Falana for the prosecution of Oduah and others, Uwujaren said Falana’s petition was not an issue, insisting that the commission would carry out its duties.
“That is not an issue, I have told you that we are already on top of the situation,” he said.
Uwujaren also dismissed the notion that the commission would require the approval of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, to investigate Oduah.
“I am not aware of any clearance required to probe this case,” he stated.
Falana had on Monday petitioned the EFCC, demanding that the aviation minister be prosecuted for corruption.
According to him, it was clear that there was no appropriation for the acquisition of the armoured cars in the Appropriation Act, 2013.
Falana also stated that the aviation minister exceeded her approval limit as only the Federal Executive Council (FEC) could approve any transaction of N100 million and above.
Meanwhile, it was learnt yesterday that officials of Coscharis Motors which had supplied the armoured cars as well as other vehicles to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) are due for interrogation today.
Also, officials of FBN, which provided the lease financing for the vehicles, were also at the office of the commission.
A source with Coscharis said their officials were with the EFCC for several hours and subjected to all sorts of questioning.
He said their officials were not detained but the commission said they would be re-invited should the need arise.
The Chairman of Coscharis, Mr. Cosmas Maduka, he said, however did not report to the EFCC as he had travelled overseas for a business engagement.
Similarly, FBN’s Relationship Manager responsible for the aviation sector was also interrogated by the EFCC.
Sources within the commission said the anti-graft agency would be inviting Oduah, officials of NCAA and the Nigerian Customs Service in the next few days.
– THIS DAY
An Abuja-Accra flight experienced technical difficulties mid-air on Friday, forcing it to return to Abuja, shortly after departure.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Board (NSIB) made the disclosure in a statement, adding that it has launched investigation into what it described as a serious accident.
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji stated that preliminary investigations revealed the aircraft experienced an engine number two indication issue.
ALSO READ: BREAKING: Kyari Oversees NNPC Ltd’s Transparent Recruitment Aptitude Test
It was gathered that the aircraft, with registration number 5NKAL which was operating a flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja (DNAA), to Kotoka International Airport, Accra (DGAA).
She explained that four persons were onboard when the incident occurred. The crew immediately requested for a diversion back to Abuja due to the engine indication.
Oladeji added that the crew managed to safely land the aircraft at Abuja Airport at 18:16 UTC.
There were no injuries reported, and all individuals on board are safe.
Nigeria has acquired 12 pre-owned Alpha Jets from the French Air Force as part of efforts to enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The deal, facilitated through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics company, was announced by Olusegun Dada, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on via X on Thursday.
He said, “All the 12 aircraft are ready for shipping.”
The Alpha Jet, a product of Franco-German collaboration, is a versatile military aircraft designed for light attack and advanced training missions.
READ MORE: JUST IN: FG Battles Against Seizure Of Presidential Jets In France
Equipped to carry bombs, rockets, and missiles, the aircraft also features a gun pod for close air support.
The NAF already operates 11 Alpha Jets, but this latest procurement signals a significant boost to its fleet.
Dada also confirmed that the Air Force is expecting 24 M-346FA light attack aircraft, ordered during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The first batch of these Italian-made aircraft is expected to arrive early next year.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, described the acquisitions as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to bolstering the armed forces.
“This renewal of our aircraft fleet reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians,” Abubakar said.
The announcement comes on the heels of President Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The visit, which took place from November 27 to November 30, highlighted deepening ties between the two nations.
To ensure the sustainability of its expanding fleet, the Air Force has proposed establishing a local maintenance hub.
Speaking in October, Abubakar noted that six units of the M-346FA aircraft were already in production, with the initial batch of three expected to be delivered in early 2025. The full fleet is projected to arrive by 2026.
“These developments underscore the importance of creating a domestic support system for the long-term upkeep of our aircraft,” Abubakar added.
As the holiday season draws near, Aero Contractors has introduced a minimum ticket price of N80,000 for all local flights.
The move, which will last until January 2024, aims to ease the financial burden on Nigerians amid the high cost of living.
Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, made the announcement on Tuesday during a press briefing, describing the fare reduction as a gesture to help Nigerians celebrate Christmas and the New Year without the stress of steep ticket prices.
READ MORE: Bobrisky Defends Egungun of Lagos Amid Viral Video Scandal
Sanusi said, “We understand the economic hardship Nigerians are facing, especially with high ticket prices, and we know the holiday season is nearby.
“In the spirit of Christmas, Aero Contractors has introduced what we call pocket-friendly Christmas prices. These fares, starting at N80,000, will apply to all our destinations, allowing Nigerians to travel without excessive costs.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, an economy class ticket from Lagos to Abuja was priced at N99,643, while business class tickets were being sold for N189,167.
Sanusi further explained that the initiative was designed to make it easier for families to reunite during the holidays.
“This is a way for us, as an organization with a long history of serving Nigerians, to give back to our loyal customers. We want to make it possible for families to meet their loved ones during this festive season without worrying about exorbitant travel costs,” he added.
53 Convicts Benefit From Adeleke’s Prerogative Of Mercy
Ghana To Grant Visa-Free Entry To All African Nationals
Christmas: Shettima Assures Of FG’s Commitment To Citizens’ Welfare
Obi’s Inspiring Christmas Message Of Hope For Women’s Football
Yuletide: Adeleke Rejoices With Christians
Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
