Respected lawyer and activist, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) has demanded copies of the BMW transaction from the Managing Director of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Folashade Akinkuotu.
He made the demand under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, in a letter dated October 21, 2013, entitled: “Request For Information On N225 million Amoured Cars For Aviation Minister, Ms Stella Oduah.”
In the letter signed on his behalf by Adedotun Isola-Osobu, the legal luminary threatened legal action if his request was not acceded to within the time allowed by law.
“In your press conference in Abuja on Friday, October 18, you did admit that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) actually bought the controversial armoured cars and that it is customary to convey the minister and visiting dignitaries in security vehicles whenever they are in Nigeria.
“In the light of your claim at the said press conference, we are compelled to request you to make available to us certified true copies of the documents relating to the purchase of the cars, including budgetary approval and due process for the entire transaction.
“Since you claimed that it is customary to purchase such cars for aviation minister and visiting foreign dignitaries, you are also requested to provide the records of previous purchase of armoured cars by the Aviation Ministry or the NCAA.
“Take notice that you are mandatorily required to supply the requested information within seven days of the receipt of this letter by virtue of the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011,” part of the letter read.