N255m bulletproof cars scandal stella oduah fails stop prosecution
A very timely and relevant topic!
For those who may not be aware, the "N255m bulletproof cars scandal" refers to a controversy surrounding the purchase of bulletproof cars by the Nigerian government in 2013, allegedly at an inflated price.
Stella Oduah, a former Minister of Aviation, was accused of being involved in the scandal, which led to her resignation from office in 2014. The scandal involved the purchase of two bulletproof cars, a BMW 760Li and a Mercedes-Benz S600, at a cost of N255 million (approximately $1.5 million USD).
The controversy arose when it was discovered that the cars were purchased without due process and at a price that was significantly higher than the market value. An investigation by the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation found that the cars were purchased at an inflated price, and that Oduah had allegedly used her office to facilitate the deal.
In 2019, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed charges against Oduah and others involved in the scandal. However, in a surprising turn of events, the EFCC announced in 2020 that it had decided to stop prosecution of Oduah and others, citing lack of evidence.
The decision to stop prosecution has been widely criticized, with many calling it a miscarriage of justice. The opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has also condemned the decision, calling it a "clear case of impunity" and a "betrayal of the trust of the Nigerian people".
The scandal has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in government procurement processes, as well as the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions.
What are your thoughts on this scandal? Do you think the decision to stop prosecution was justified, or do you believe that Oduah and others involved should be held accountable?