Reps Demand Arrest of Officials Who Sold FG Helicopters for Fraction of Value

Aviation Ministry Officials in Trouble for Selling Govt Helicopters at Bargain Price

Aviation Ministry officials in trouble for selling government helicopters at bargain price, sparking corruption and mismanagement concerns. House of Representatives orders arrest of employees involved in controversial sale.

The House of Representatives has ordered the arrest of Ministry of Aviation employees involved in the controversial sale of two federal government helicopters to private individuals at a significantly reduced price. The helicopters, valued at $4.8 million, were sold for just $1.2 million, sparking widespread criticism.

An investigation revealed that Ministry officials sold the helicopters to private buyers despite interest from government agencies such as the Nigerian police, navy, and air force. This suspicious deal has raised eyebrows, prompting the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Assets, Ademorin Kuye, to order the arrest of the officials responsible.

The sale of the helicopters at a significantly lower price than their value has raised concerns about corruption and mismanagement within the Ministry of Aviation. The House of Representatives' swift action demonstrates its commitment to holding officials accountable for their actions and ensuring transparency in government dealings.

The arrest order issued by Ademorin Kuye aims to bring the culpable officials to justice and unravel the circumstances surrounding the controversial sale. As the investigation unfolds, more details are likely to emerge, shedding light on the extent of the corruption and those involved.

Speaking out against the sale, Kuye expressed grave concerns, saying, “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 evaluations conducted in Zaria, Kaduna State, revealed that the two helicopters had accumulated a relatively low number of flight hours, with one having 42 hours and the other having 46 hours, indicating a relatively low usage and potentially a longer lifespan.

The helicopters, although being in outstanding condition and having been used very little, were allegedly sold without enough consultation with possible government buyers.

"We provided proof of maintenance and received interest from other government entities," Kuye emphasized.

“It is unacceptable that despite the clear demand from government agencies, these helicopters were auctioned off at a fraction of their value.”

According to internal memos reviewed by sources, the auction held on May 24 resulted in the sale of both helicopters for a combined total of $1.2 million. This figure has raised eyebrows, as the helicopters were originally purchased for $4.8 million, sparking concerns about the transparency and documentation of the sale process.

The sale process has come under scrutiny, with questions being asked about the auction's conduciveness to fair competition and the accuracy of the documentation. The significant disparity between the original purchase price and the sale price has fueled suspicions of irregularities, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the matter.

The internal memos reviewed by sources have shed light on the sale process, revealing a lack of transparency and accountability. The documentation of the sale raises more questions than answers, leading to concerns about the integrity of the auction and the role of Ministry officials in the controversial deal.

“There are serious discrepancies in how this auction was conducted,” Kuye remarked, highlighting concerns about procedural irregularities.

“The Ministry of Aviation must be held accountable for this negligence and lack of transparency.”