Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah forced aviation agency to spend N255.1m on two armored cars for her

In this exclusive report by Sahara Reporters, the Minister of Aviation is reported to be using her positioning to acquire personal wealth. For an industry that is poorly managed, this is the last that should be expected from her. Read the report below;

Sahara Reporters has obtained documents further exposing the depth of corruption and mismanagement of public funds at Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation headed by Stella Oduah. One of the documents details how Ms. Oduah compelled the cash-strapped Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to purchase two armored BMW cars for the minister. NCAA is the agency charged with ensuring the airworthiness of commercial planes flying within Nigeria’s airspace. Two officials of the agency told Sahara Reporters that the NCAA did not have enough funds to upgrade equipment, send staff for critical training, and hire enough qualified staff. “Yet, all the minister is concerned about is to have two exotic BMW cars from the little money we have for operations,” one of the sources said.
The documents obtained by SaharaReporters indicate that the transaction for the purchase of the two BMW vehicles started in June 2013. However, the request for delivery of and payment for the two vehicles was fast-tracked between August 13 and 15 2013. The transaction involved the NCAA, First Bank of Nigeria, and Coscharis Motors Limited.

PHOTOS: Jay-Z and Chris Martin surprise London commuters as they catch the Tube to gig at O2 Arena

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ALL!

Eid Mubarak!!!

PHOTO: Associated Airlines crash survivor

Photos have emerged of one of the survivors of Thursday's Associated Airlines plane crash survivor. He is clearly wounded as evidenced by the blood soaked cloth being used to attend to him.

He is identified as son-in-law Femi Akinsanya who is married to a daughter of the late Gov Agagu.

He is indeed very lucky and is wished a speedy recovery.

Jet bound for Saudi Arabia with 400 passengers makes emergency landing

Another air mishap was averted when a Kabo Airlines jet carrying 400 passengers bound for Saudi  Arabia made an emergency landing at Sir Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto. The aircraft had to make an emergency landing when the tyres exploded midair.

The aircraft took off from Kano International Airport on Friday.

All passengers were safely evacuated and provided hotel accommodation following the incident.

Official Announcement from MIC Undertakers on the Associated Airlines crash

It is with great sadness and profound loss that M.I.C Royal Ltd announces the passing away of

Our Chief Executive Mr Olatunji  Okusanya and his son, Mr Olatunji Okusanya Jnr and  four members of our team namely;

  Mr Akeem Akintunde
Mr Chijioke Duru
 Mr Kingsley Amaechi
Mr Samson Hassan

They were involved in a fatal plane crash that occurred at the domestic wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos at 9:32am on the 3rd of October 2013, while on official duties.

A condolence registered has been opened at our office on 15/17/19 Odunlami Street, Lagos Island and all are welcome to leave their messages.

We welcome messages also on our website and Facebook page.

 As events unfold we will make further announcements.

signed,

Mrs Bolanle Okusanya - Feyita (on behalf of the family and M.I.C Royal Ltd)

UPDATE: More Photos & Passenger Manifest of crashed Associated Airlines plane

Further pictures have emerged and the Passenger manifest of the ill-fated Associated Airlines charter flight conveying the corpse of former Governor Olusegun Agagu to Akure for burial which crashed after take-off in Lagos this morning.

The coffin, pictured above was retrieved almost in tact from the rear of the aircraft.

The black-box was also be recovered and has been handed over to the Accident Investigation Bureau.

Here is the full passenger manifest:

Passengers

1. Feyi Agagu
2. Femi Akinsanya
3. Akintunde Joseph
4. Akeem Akintunde
5. Tunji Okusanya
6. Chijioke Duru
7. Kingsley Amaechi
8. Deji Afolabi
9. Mrs. A.O. Alabi
10. Daji Bernard
11. Deji Falae
12. Samson Hassan
13. Olatunji Okusanya 

Continue to see crew list and survivors...

BREAKING NEWS: Associated Airlines Plane crashes in Lagos this morning

An Associated Airlines jet on private chatter service bound for Akure, Ondo State this morning crashed upon take-off from the Lagos airport.

The aircraft was carrying the remains of the former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Agagu together with 20 passengers (family and friends) on board and there are conflicting reports of survivors and some high profile passengers are on board.

The Late Agagu's burial was slated to take place tomorrow in Akure.

See more pictures after the cut.

UPDATE: here is a formal Press Release from Minister of Aviation

The Press Realease

An Embraer aircraft operated by Associated Airlines with Reg No SCD 361 enroute Akure from the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, crashed shortly after take-off at about 9.30 am local time. The plane had 20 passengers and 7 crew members on board.

Emergency rescue operations commenced immediately by a combined team of Fire Service and security personnel . Some persons pulled out from the aircraft have been rushed to the hospital while a few dead bodies have been recovered, The rescue operations is still on-going.

Joe Obi

SA (Media)  to the Hon. Minister

More details later.