BREAKING: Buhari’s Aviation Minister, Sirika, Daughter, Son-In-Law, One Other Granted N100M Bail Each; To Be Remanded In Prison If They Fail To Fulfil Bail Conditions
Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, his daughter, and two others were granted N100 million bail each by a Federal High Court in Abuja. They face charges of alleged N2.7 billion fraud filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Sirika pleaded ‘not guilty’ to six counts of fraud. Alongside him were his daughter Fatima, his son-in-law Jalal Hamma, and Al-Duraq Investment Limited.
The defendants were required to provide two sureties with landed properties and valid titles in Abuja, who must depose to an affidavit of means. Additionally, they were prohibited from traveling abroad without the court’s permission. Failure to meet bail conditions would result in remand in prison custody. The trial is scheduled to commence on June 10, 11, and 20.
Hadi Sirika served as the aviation minister during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. The charges stem from an alleged N2.7 billion contract fraud uncovered in the aviation ministry during Buhari’s presidency. The EFCC arrested Sirika in April following an investigation into fraudulent contracts authorized for Engirios Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.
Furthermore, the EFCC is probing the controversial Nigeria Air deal, which Sirika was involved in. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed that the EFCC was investigating the deal, indicating a criminal investigation underway.
In summary, Hadi Sirika, along with his daughter and two others, faces charges of alleged N2.7 billion fraud related to contracts in the aviation ministry during his tenure as minister. The court granted them bail with strict conditions, including providing sureties and restrictions on international travel. The trial is set to begin in June, amidst ongoing investigations into other alleged fraudulent activities involving Sirika.
Sahara Reporters
