Embattled business mogul and chairman of Air Nigeria, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim, was today quizzed for six hours by the Nigeria Police in Abuja.
Mr. Jimoh was wanted in relation to a petition written by Air Nigeria's former Executive Director (Finance), Mr. John Nnorom, which contains many allegations about Mr. Ibrahim's business practices, as well as threats to his life.
Mr. Nnorom, who resigned his appointment from Air Nigeria early in April, has become a whistleblower on the inside workings of the airline that endanger the safety of its travelers. Upon the allegation that Mr. Ibrahim has hired assassins to silence him, the Inspector General of police is reported to be considering giving Mr. Nnorom protection.
Earlier in the week, it was also learnt that the EFCC interrogated the NICON Insurance Managing Director Emmanuel Jegede for as many as 12 hours as part of an investigation into pension fund fraud. Sources say that EFCC investigators have also obtained financial information from the office of the Accountant General of Nigeria showing that some N10 billion approved for pensioners was diverted by Mr. Ibrahim to get a private jet through a New York based law firm.
As Jimoh's business operation faces further difficulties, the controversial businessman yesterday clamped down on about 12 pilots and engineers at Air Nigeria who are members of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, accusing them of disclosing safety and aircraft maintenance information to the media.
It is also understood that GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), which leased some aircraft to Air Nigeria, today concluded plans in Lagos to repossess four of them. As the fortune of the airline crumbles, SaharaReporters can also confirm that Mr. Ibrahim plans to fire 85% of its employees.
-Sahara Reporters
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