EFCC grills Oduah for five hours over N255m bulletproof cars

FORMER Aviation Minister Stella Oduah was a guest of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday.

She was grilled for about five and half hours over the N255million bulletproof cars’ scam, which led to her sack.

The ex-minister got a provisional bail following the need to re-invite her for more questioning. But it was unclear last night when Oduah will return to the commission.

A team is analysing the ex-minister’s response to identify areas for further clarification.

It was gathered that Oduah arrived quietly at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja at about 10am.

She was ushered into the Operations Department of the anti-graft agency where she was questioned till 3.30pm.

A source, who spoke in confidence, described Oduah’s mood as “pensive”.

The source said: “The team asked her to explain what led to the purchase of two bulletproof (armoured cars) for N255million; the purpose; and whether there was appropriation for it or not in the 2013 budget.

“She was asked for evidence of due process or concurrence/ approval by the Bureau of Public Procurement and whether her approval value was not above the limit of Ministerial Tenders Board or not.

“She was also asked to confirm if she was aware that the approved revised thresholds for service wide application (pursuant to Section 16(2) Public Procurement Act 2009 put a minister’s limit at N100million.”

Another source said: “We also isolated issues raised by former heads of agencies in the aviation industry when they appeared before EFCC. She was directed to make some clarifications.

“This interrogation is just the first in the series. We will study her statement on oath and definitely ask follow-up questions.”

Responding to a question, the source added that the EFCC was in receipt of the reports of an Administrative Committee set up by President Goodluck Jonathan and House of Representatives Committee on Aviation on the car scam.”

Oduah got a “provisional bail”. This is the first time the EFCC has given a provisional bail. The agency is known for “administrative bail” system.

An official of the commission said: “The provisional bail is a temporary measure. If there is need to detain her subsequently, we will do so.

“She has been told that she might be re-invited soon by the commission.”

The President, on February 11, sacked Ms Oduah from the cabinet alongside three others.