The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is gearing up to arraign former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and his brother before Justice Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Garki on Tuesday.
The charges against the duo amount to eight counts, following a series of investigations by the anti-graft commission. Earlier, a Federal Capital Territory High Court had granted Sirika and his brother bail in the sum of N100 million each.
Last Thursday, Sirika and his daughter, Fatima, along with Jalal Hamma and Al-Duraq Investment Ltd, faced charges before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the High Court of the FCT, Maitama. They are accused of abusing their positions of authority, allegedly involving N2.7 billion in irregularities.
The charge sheet alleges that Sirika misused his authority as Minister of Aviation by awarding contracts to his daughter, son-in-law, and associates under fraudulent circumstances. The EFCC has levelled six counts against them.
As part of their bail conditions, the court stipulated that they must each provide two sureties with landed properties in Abuja. These sureties, deemed responsible citizens, must also provide an affidavit of means. Additionally, the court barred the defendants from leaving the country without prior permission. Failure to meet bail conditions could result in their remand in prison.
Sirika’s recent legal entanglements stem from his arrest by the EFCC in April, following allegations related to the failed Nigeria Air project. During his tenure as Minister of Aviation, he faced scrutiny over accusations of conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, and contract inflation.
Prior to his role as Minister, Sirika held positions as a member of the House of Representatives and later as a senator representing Katsina North Senatorial District, aligning with the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011.
