Ex-Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika has pleaded not guilty to allegations of corrupt practices involving approximately N2.7 billion, brought against him by the Federal Government. Sirika was arraigned before Justice Sylvanus Oriji at the Federal High Court in Abuja, alongside his daughter, Fatima, son-in-law, Jalal Sule Hamma, and a firm, Al Buraq Global Investment Limited.
The six-count charges, which include fraud and abuse of office, were read to the defendants, who all pleaded not guilty. Their lawyers subsequently moved applications for bail, which was granted by the judge.
Justice Oriji admitted the three defendants to bail for N100 million and two sureties each in the like sum. The sureties must be responsible citizens with verifiable home addresses, and one of them must have landed property with a certificate of occupancy signed by the FCT Minister. The defendants are also required to surrender their international passports and must not travel outside the country without express permission from the court.
The trial has been scheduled to commence on June 10th. Sirika served as Aviation Minister under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Sirika allegedly used his position to fraudulently award contracts to his daughter, son-in-law, and associates. In February, the EFCC arrested Sirika’s brother, Abubakar Sirika, over an alleged contract fraud in the aviation ministry.
During his tenure as minister, Sirika faced allegations including conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, contract inflation, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering, totaling N8,069,176,864. The EFCC revealed that the funds in dispute relate to four aviation contracts awarded by the former minister to a company called Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger brother.
