*As federal lawmakers order arrest of 2 over alleged helicopter sale irregularities
The Nigerian’s House of Representatives on Tuesday ordered the immediate arrest of an alleged unlicensed auctioneer and the Director of Quality Control at NCAT (National Civil Aviation Training) for reportedly providing false information under oath. This action follows allegations regarding the sale of two helicopters for $1.2 million.
This was just as the Committee on Public Assets called upon Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to assume responsibility for investigating the alleged indiscriminate sale of two helicopters by the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT).
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The Committee on Public Assets reached its resolution following approximately five hours of discussions with College management and other relevant bodies.
“This development stems from the House’s December 2023 launch of an investigation into the condition of public assets nationwide.”
The committee’s mandate is to recover assets valued at trillions of naira, including moribund public assets both within and outside Nigeria. Additionally, it aims to investigate the hasty sale of two helicopters, conducted without the approval of the Federal Executive Council just days before the end of the Buhari administration in 2023.
Present at the committee were the management team of NCAT, representatives of the Nigerian Army, and other key stakeholders.
Chairing of the committee, Hon. Ademorin Kuye expressed serious concerns about the sale of two helicopters purchased for $2.4 million, which were sold for $1.2 million without following due process.
“We requested documents pertaining to any joint venture, but we have not received a response confirming whether such documents exist or not.”
“We requested a list of assets, along with comprehensive descriptions and specifications for all your assets, including rented apartments. This should cover acquisition dates, methods, and current status and conditions. While you attempted to address some aspects, our requirements have not been fully met,” stated Hon. Kuye.
Lawmakers have also raised concerns about the use of an unlicensed auctioneer who failed to respond adequately to inquiries.
In response, Musa Alkali, Coordinator of Nigerian Army Aviation, expressed disappointment that the Army’s request to utilize helicopters in counterterrorism efforts was denied. He emphasized the urgency of recovering the two helicopters.
Also a committee member, Midala Balami asserted that the documents presented to the committee were falsified.
