A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered First Bank of Nigeria Plc., to disclose details of a loan facility it granted to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, over alleged purchase of some bullet proof cars.
Presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Yunusa also gave an order of mandamus compelling First Bank to grant access to or make available to Enough Is Enough (EIE) Nigeria, the information it requested, in a letter dated October 30, 2013.
The judge issued the order while delivering judgment in a suit instituted by EIE Nigeria against the bank over its refusal to disclose the information to the organization.
EIE Nigeria had written an application under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act on Oct. 30, 2013, requesting the disclosure of such information.
The suit was filed on behalf of EIE on January 9, 2014 by Mr Ayodeji Acquah of Media Rights Agenda's Network of Freedom of Information lawyers.
In that suit, EIE is praying the court for the declaration that the failure and or refusal of the First Bank to grant access to or make available to EIE the information it requested in its letter amounts to wrongful denial of access to information under Section 7(5) of the FOI Act.
However, EIE had obtained a similar order in March 2015, where Coscharis Motors Ltd., was directed to disclose details of the transaction.
It would be recalled that former aviation minister Stella Oduah allegedly acquired bullet proof cars running into hundred millions of naira for personal use while in the office.
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