The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated legal proceedings against former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika and three others over alleged fraud amounting to N2.8 billion. The trial commenced at the Maitama Division of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Monday.
Mr. Sirika, along with his daughter Fatima, Jalal Sule Hamma, and Al-Duraq Investment Limited, faces charges of abuse of office and contract fraud. The defendants are standing trial before Justice Sylvanus Oriji on six counts.
During the hearing, Azubuike Okorie, a subpoenaed witness and retired employee of the Federal Ministry of Aviation, testified as the first witness (PW1). Okorie, who previously served as the Director of Procurement and Special Assistant to the Honorable Minister for Projects, outlined his responsibilities which included monitoring and evaluating projects.
Prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) led the witness in evidence. Okorie explained that he was not directly involved in contract awards but was familiar with the documentation and processes related to project monitoring and implementation. He testified about the contract awarded to Al-Duraq Global Investment by the Federal Ministry, noting that he received a document tagged “List, 2021 Projects” from the then-minister to forward to the Permanent Secretary.
Okorie mentioned that he observed an allocation of N800 million to Al-Duraq Global Investment Limited for apron expansion. He recounted that during a project monitoring visit to Kastina airport, his team did not find any contractors, including Al-Duraq, on site.
The witness further stated that to his knowledge, the contract was not executed by the time he left civil service on May 23, 2023. He acknowledged being aware of a 30 per cent mobilisation fee paid to Al-Duraq but denied knowledge of any further payments.
The defense, represented by Kanu Agabi (SAN) for Mr. Sirika, Mahmoud Magaji (SAN) for Ms. Fatima, and Michael Numa (SAN) for Al-Duraq Investment, requested an adjournment to review the documents. Justice Oriji granted the adjournment, scheduling the continuation of the trial and cross-examination for the next day.
