EFCC Visits Arik Air, Arrests Chief Pilot

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stormed the airline's office over claims of irregularity in tax remittance.

According to the media officer of the airline, Banji Ola who confirmed the visit, said the anti-graft agency "had taken away our chief pilot, Captain Victor Egonu," adding that the carrier's normal operations had not been affected.

An effort to get the EFCC spokesman, Femi Babafemi to comment on the incident failed as his phone was busy.

It would be recalled that recently, Arik Air accused the Attorney General of the federation, Michael Aondoakaa of sanctioning the concession of the general aviation terminal to Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited when the matter was still pending in court.

Arik acting managing director, Chris Ndulue had said that the airline would not leave the GAT. He said the process leading to the handover was "kangarooic" in nature.

"Arik Air is still operating its flights at the old domestic terminal. What has happened does not warrant suspension of our operations. The purported hand over was a kangaroo one. The Minister of Aviation, Babatunde Omotoba, was neither at the handover, neither were any of the directors of the ministry of aviation, or even directors from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria."

The terminal was handed over to BASL by the Regional Manager, South West, Edward Olarerin and the Terminal Manager, GAT, Tunde Oginni, representing FAAN and the minister of aviation. while Mrs. Idunu Oyebolu, Chief Executive Officer of BASL represented the company.

Source: Leadership

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