Court Admits More Evidence in ₦2.7bn Fraud Case in Hadi Sirika’s Trial

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has admitted additional evidence in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who is facing charges of alleged involvement in a ₦2.7 billion contract fraud.

Sirika is standing trial alongside his daughter, Fatima Sirika; his son-in-law, Jalal Sule Hamma; and their company, Al-Buraq Investment Ltd.

They are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of conspiracy, abuse of office, and fraudulent award of contracts.

According to the EFCC, Sirika awarded contracts worth billions of naira to companies connected to his family during his tenure as aviation minister.

Among the contracts in question is a ₦1.3 billion consultancy deal for the controversial Nigeria Air project, and a ₦1.498 billion contract for the same apron extension at Katsina Airport—allegedly awarded to Al-Buraq Investment Ltd, which the EFCC claims is owned by his daughter and son-in-law.

During court proceedings, more evidence was tendered by the EFCC, including documents and witness testimonies. Azubuike Okorie, a former Director of Procurement at the Ministry of Aviation, testified that the Katsina Airport project had not commenced as of May 2023, despite funds already being disbursed.

Another witness, Musa Odiniya, a former Director at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), told the court that Al-Buraq Investment Ltd was registered in 2021 and lacked the required qualifications to undertake the multi-billion naira airport project.

All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Justice Sylvanus Oriji granted them bail in the sum of ₦100 million each, with two sureties in like sum. The court also imposed a travel ban, barring the defendants from leaving the country pending the outcome of the trial.