Medview resolute on operations, denies $900k scam allegation
THE MANAGEMENT OF MEDVIEW AIR LINE HAS COME OUT FIGHTING STRONGLY dismissing the allegation about a scam and funds diversion in relation to the 2019 Hajj pilgrimage airlift.
In dismissing the allegation of a scam or diversion, Medview said the funds were applied towards necessary preparations, including aircraft maintenance and payment to service providers.
The airline reaction follows reports alleging a scam leading to the invitation of Muneer Bankole, its chief executive officer by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to shed light on the airline Hajj operations contract with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Isiaq Na-Allah, Medview’s director of business development, said in a statement, that the airline pointed to the much touted $900,000, saying NAHCON paid the money directly to two service providers in Saudi Arabia, namely General Authority of Aviation ($400,000 and Taibah Airports Development Company ($500,000) on July 5, 2019.
“In spite of deft moves by some highly placed persons to frustrate the airline from the operations with late release of funds, Medview Airline airlifted 4,387 pilgrims from Kaduna, Yobe and Ogun States. The Pilgrims Boards in those states are living witnesses of the operation,” Medview stated.
It explained further that in line with the terms of the contract with NAHCON, a presidential committee was raised to reconcile the differences in payment to Medview Airline and the number of pilgrims airlifted, and this later metaphorized into a Ministerial Committee, where all issues were resolved.
“It is therefore strange for somebody to wake up and go to the rooftop armed with trumpets and cymbals for a non-existent scam or diversion of funds all to smear Medview Airline Plc. Medview Airline is resolute to return to its leadership role in Hajj operations,” it further stated.