The Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought forth charges against former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Abubakar Sirika, alongside three others: Fatima Hadi Sirika, Jalal Sule Hamma, and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited. The arraignment took place before Justice S.C Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, May 9, 2024.
The charges, totaling six counts, revolve around alleged contract fraud amounting to N2,825,032,220.97 (Two Billion, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Five Million, Thirty-Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty Naira, Ninety-Seven Kobo). Count one of the charges implicates Hadi Abubakar Sirika for allegedly utilizing his ministerial position to confer an unfair advantage upon TIANAERO NIGERIA LIMITED, an entity associated with his associate, Prof. Gabriel Tilmann, by influencing the award of a consultancy contract for the Nigerian Air Start-up and its extension. Count two involves similar allegations against Sirika, this time regarding the award of a contract for Apron Extension at Katsina Airport to AL BURAQ GLOBAL INVESTMENT LTD, a company connected to his daughter and son-in-law.
During the proceedings, lead prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, presented an amended six-count charge and requested that the defendants enter their pleas. Defense counsels Kanu Agabi, SAN; Mohmud Magaji, SAN; M.J Numa, SAN; and Okpai Benard Addafu, SAN did not object to this request. Consequently, Justice Oriji allowed the defendants to plead.
All four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following their pleas, the defense counsels reminded the court of previously submitted bail applications, which the prosecution counsel did not oppose. Justice Oriji granted bail to each defendant in the sum of N100 million (One Hundred Million Naira) with two sureties each. The sureties are required to possess landed properties in Abuja with Certificates of Occupancy signed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and to depose to affidavits of means. Additionally, the defendants are prohibited from traveling outside the country without the court’s permission. Pending the fulfillment of bail conditions, the defendants were remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The trial is scheduled to commence on June 10, 11, and 20, as adjourned by Justice Oriji.
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