The trial of Nigeria’s former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, resumed on Monday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, with fresh allegations surrounding fraudulent contracts during his tenure. Sirika, alongside his daughter Fatima Hadi Sirika, son-in-law Jalal Sule Hamma, and Al-Buraq Global Investment Limited, faces charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged misuse of public office and contract fraud totaling billions of naira.
The EFCC accuses Sirika of awarding contracts to companies linked to his family members, including a N3.8 billion contract for a fire truck maintenance center and a N1.4 billion apron extension project at Katsina Airport. Witness testimony revealed irregularities in the procurement process, including the use of restricted tendering methods and the splitting of contracts without proper authorization. A Bureau of Public Procurement official testified that the agency was unaware of how a single contract was divided into two separate awards.
Musa Odiniyan, a retired director from the Ministry of Aviation, stated that Al-Buraq Global Investment was unqualified for the airport repair project under competitive bidding standards. Another witness disclosed that contractors were absent from project sites despite receiving mobilization fees. These revelations raise concerns about the transparency and execution of contracts during Sirika’s tenure.
Sirika and his co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges. The prosecution alleges violations of public trust, abuse of office, and money laundering. The trial continues today, April 8, 2025, as Justice Sulaiman Belgore presides over proceedings.
