An FCT Magistrate Court has ordered the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the acting Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, for violating Freedom of Information Act.
The order followed a petition filed by an anti-corruption group, Centre for Awareness on Justice and Accountability, CAJA.
Granting an order after a direct criminal complaint, the presiding magistrate, A.M. Sadeeq, ordered the Assistant Inspector-General of police, AIG, Zone 7, Abuja to investigate the alleged criminal complaint and report back to the court within two weeks.
The suit with no AB/CR/38/2024 has Mr Najomo as a defendant.
The case was brought pursuant to sections 110 and 115 of the Penal Code under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.
“Upon the direct criminal complaint filed by the complainant before this Honourable Court, I am directed by the honourable magistrate, His worship A.M Sadeeq, sitting at Magistrate Court No. 4 Wuse Zone 6, FCT-Abuja, to write and request for an urgent investigation into this direct criminal complaint and report back within two weeks.
“Find attached a copy of the direct criminal complaint for your kind perusal and necessary action, please,” the magistrate said.
In the Freedom of Information, FOI, request addressed to the NCAA, dated May 26, the group requested documentation, financial records, procurement process, and the allocation of the vehicle.
The letter, which was signed on behalf of the group by A.A. Hikma, t principal partner, A. A Hikima and Co., said the request is made pursuant to Sections 1,2 and 3 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
“We hereby request copies of all documents related to the procurement and approval process for the 2022 Toyota Landcruiser [70th anniversary edition] worth over N250 million, including but not limited to approvals from the Bureau of Public Procurement and the Federal Executive Council, copies of the budget, and any amendments related to vehicle purchases for the NCAA for the fiscal year during which this vehicle was acquired. Correspondence related to the procurement, justification, and authorization for this vehicle’s purchase.
“Detailed financial records, including invoices, payment receipts, and bank statements, showing the purchase and payment for the vehicle.
“Any records or communications regarding budget allocations or re-allocations for the purchase of this vehicle.”
The letter also requested the agency to provide “details of the procurement process followed, including tender documents, bids received, and evaluation reports.
“Records of any meetings or discussions held concerning the procurement of the vehicle.
“Information on the allocation and current use of the vehicle, including the official assignment of the vehicle to Capt. Chris Najomo and any other officials.
“Documentation of any additional vehicles purchased for top management officials during Capt. Najomo’s tenure and the procurement process followed for these purchases.
“This request is made in the public interest, to understand the adherence to procurement regulations and the proper use of public funds within the NCAA. We would prefer the documents in hard copies, please.
“Take notice that the statutory timeframe within which you are mandatorily expected to oblige us with the information herein sought is 7 days, failing which a criminal lawsuit may be filed against you,” Mr Hikima added.
