Nigeria arrests ex-air ministers

Two former aviation ministers have been arrested by Nigerian anti-corruption agents investigating the disappearance of $160m for radar equipment.

Femi Fani-Kayode and Babalola Borishade were detained after giving evidence to a Senate inquiry into the case.

Both men denied any wrong-doing and Mr Borishade said that the amounts of money concerned had been exaggerated.

The equipment was supposed to help improve Nigeria's woeful air safety record after several fatal crashes.

NIGERIA PLANE CRASHES

• October 2006: ADC Airlines 737 crashes just after takeoff in Abuja, killing 96 people
• December 2005: Sosoliso Airlines DC-9 crashes on landing in Port Harcourt, killing 106
• October 2005: Bellview Airlines 737 crashes in Ogun state, killing 117
• May 2002: Plane operated by EAS Airlines crashes in Kano, killing 148 people
• November 1996: 142 people die when Boeing 727 owned by Nigeria's ADC airline plunges into lagoon 85km (55 miles) from Lagos

Cash boost for Nigeria air sector

Mr Borishade was sacked as aviation minister after a 2006 crash at the airport in the capital, Abuja, which killed 97 people, including the spiritual leader of Nigeria's Muslims.

Mr Fani-Kayode, a spokesman for former President Olusegun Obasanjo who left office last year, then replaced him.

Correspondents say it is expected that the two will be charged in court in the coming days, where they are expected to enter a formal plea.

Also detained on Monday was Roland Iyayi, former head of the federal aviation agency.

Last week, an Austrian aviation contractor was arrested after giving evidence.

More than 200 people were killed in two crashes in 2005.

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Nigerian Presidency
ADC Airlines
Sosoliso Airlines
Bellview Airlines
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