The corrupt ways of a former dictator and those of his
family continue to reveal themselves as days, months and
years pass. This time, the brother of late Nigerian ruler
Sani Abacha forced an aviation college to buy 25 obsolete
aircraft from his associates rather than new planes from a
rival group, a committee heard. Abdulkadir Abacha used his
elder brother's position to force the Nigerian College of
Aviation Technology (NCAT) to buy the World War II-era
planes for $24 million, an official told a Senate committee
late on Thursday, August 19. When the college objected, a
security aide to general Abacha, Ismaila Gwarzo, telephoned
the college to warn that the deal had to go through, Captain
Shettima Abba-Gana said. No one at the college knew how to fly or maintain the
planes, intended for flying students, and they have never
been put to use, Abba-Gana said. He was appearing before the
Senate committee on aviation. Sapa/AFP
Nigeria as a Nation of Vulcanizers
NIGERIA
REPORT
Former Nigerian ruler's brother in
$24 million aircraft purchase scandal
Pope
John Paul, Abacha and Nigeria's christians
Nigeria awards new multimillion
dollar Petroleum
contracts; adds 3 African countries as additonal channels to
sell oil