The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, in response to Freedom of Information Act, FOIA request made by the human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has denied being in possession of documents regarding the purchase of the two controversial armoured cars allegedly bought for the use of the aviation minister, Stella Oduah.
Falana through one of his lawyers had requested the NCAA to furnish him with information over the purchase of the cars as well as such previous cars bought for such purposes in line with the FOI Act.
Responding through its legal adviser, E. D. Chukwuma, in a three paragraph letter dated October 23, 2013, with ref. No. NCAA/DG/F&F/Vol.11/2013/85, NCAA stated that it was not in possession of any document relating to the purchase of the armoured cars for the aviation minister.
According to the letter, NCAA also claimed that it has no information in respect of previous armoured cars for the aviation ministry or its ministers.
“I am directed to refer to your letter dated 21st October, 2013 on the above matter and to inform you that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is not in possession of any document relating to the purchase of armoured cars for the Aviation Minister, Ms. Stella Oduah,” Chukwuma said in the letter.
In the meantime, Falana has vowed to take further steps to compel the director general of NCAA tender the requested documents.
Falana also promised to file a paper on the matter to the attorney general of the federation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, as well as the National Assembly which has already commenced investigation into the matter.
He said the brief response from NCCA contradicted the information earlier given at a press conference by the authority.