By By Muminat Ajide
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will arraign former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and three co-defendants on Thursday.
Sirika, who served during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, will be arraigned on a six-count amended charge.
Joining Sirika in the arraignment are his daughter, Fatima, Jalal Hamma, and Al-Duraq Investment Ltd, all facing allegations of abuse of office.
Sirika is accused of using his position as Minister of Aviation to unlawfully award contracts to his daughter, son-in-law, and associates.
Sirika and his co-defendants are accused of using their positions to launder over N2.7 billion. This marks the former Minister’s first court appearance since the allegations emerged.
They’re scheduled to appear before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Count one alleges that Sirika used his influence to favor TIANAERO NIGERIA LIMITED, associated with Prof. Gabriel Tilmann, awarding them a consultancy contract for the Nigerian Air Start-up and its extension for N1,326,731,470.97.
Count two accuses Sirika of similarly favoring AL BURAQ GLOBAL INVESTMENT LTD, linked to his daughter and son-in-law, for the Apron Extension contract at Katsina Airport, amounting to N1,498,300,750.00.
Count three charges Sirika with criminal breach of trust for his involvement in the Apron Extension contract, alleging dishonest conduct benefiting AL BURAQ GLOBAL INVESTMENT LTD.
Count four accuses Sirika, Fatima, and Jalal Sule Hamma of holding indirect private interests in the Apron Extension contract, which they knew was awarded due to public service.
Count five alleges that Fatima, Jalal Sule Hamma, and AL BURAQ GLOBAL INVESTMENT LTD possessed proceeds totaling N1,310,142,051.16, representing the alleged criminal activities of Sirika.
Lastly, count six accuses Sirika of another instance of criminal breach of trust related to the consultancy contract for the Nigerian Air Start-up, benefiting TIANAERO NIGERIA LIMITED.
