Buhari Minister Sirika Faces Indictment From House Committee Over Helicopter Transactions

Buhari Minister Sirika Faces Indictment From House Committee Over Helicopter TransactionsThe House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has indicted former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika regarding the controversial sale of two helicopters by the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria. This indictment follows an investigation into the alleged illegal sale that took place during Sirika’s tenure.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The helicopters, both Bell 206 models, were sold for a total of N556,200,322, with the college citing underutilization as the reason for the sale. Capt. Alkali Modibo, the former Rector of NCAT, asserted that the sale adhered to all necessary procedures and involved a government-licensed auctioneer, Messrs Tresmo Nigeria Limited, with oversight from the Federal Ministries of Aviation and Works.

However, the committee, chaired by Ademorin Kuye, expressed concerns about the transaction’s transparency. The helicopters were reportedly sold for $1.2 billion, significantly lower than their original purchase price of $2.4 billion, and the sale was conducted without the approval of the Federal Executive Council, seemingly hurried as the Buhari administration was winding down.

The committee has urged Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to question Sirika and the helicopter buyers regarding the sale and potential prosecution. Their report indicated that the sale was facilitated by Sirika and involved several key figures at NCAT.

The committee called for the buyers, Blue Horn Aviation Services Limited and Premier Jet Service Limited, to be invited for further investigation, emphasizing the need to recover the helicopters and report progress to the House for additional legislative action.

According to the findings, NCAT did not obtain Federal Executive Council approval for the sale, and a representative from the Nigerian Army expressed disappointment over missing the opportunity to acquire the helicopters, which were deemed essential for enhancing military operations and national security.

Additionally, the committee highlighted that the auctioneer engaged by NCAT was not a registered member of the Certified Institute of Auctioneers of Nigeria, raising further questions about the legitimacy of the sale process.

The detailed report was co-signed by the committee chairman, Kuye, and Clerk Cordelia Eromosele.

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