Charges and Pleas:
Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, along with his daughter, son-in-law, and a firm, Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, pleaded not guilty to the alleged corrupt practices involving about N2.7 billion brought against them by the Federal Government.
Bail Granted:
The defendants were granted bail by Justice Sylvanus Oriji at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Bail was set at ₦100 million each, with two sureties required for each defendant. The sureties must possess landed properties in Abuja, with one having a certificate of occupancy signed by the FCT Minister.
Bail Conditions:
Additionally, the judge ordered that the defendants must not travel out of the country without the court’s permission. In the event of inability to meet bail conditions, the defendants would be remanded in prison custody until bail conditions are fulfilled.
Trial Date Set:
The court fixed June 10th for the commencement of the trial, marking the official start of legal proceedings against Sirika and his co-defendants.
Allegations and EFCC Involvement:
The charges against Sirika and the others include fraudulently awarding contracts to family members and associates during his tenure as Minister of Aviation. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had announced its intention to arraign Sirika and the other defendants.
Previous Arrest and Allegations:
Sirika’s brother, Abubakar Sirika, was previously arrested by the EFCC over alleged contract fraud in the aviation ministry. During Hadi Sirika’s tenure as minister, allegations including conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, contract inflation, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering were leveled against him.
Disputed Funds and Contracts:
The funds in question relate to aviation contracts awarded by Sirika to a company owned by his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika.
Legal Proceedings Await:
The arraignment of Hadi Sirika and his co-defendants marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in Nigeria’s aviation sector. The trial will shed light on the extent of the alleged fraudulent activities and determine the defendants’ legal culpability.
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Written By Doris Chinwe Omemgbeoji