UPDATED: Court grants Sirika, daughter, 2 others ₦100m bail each in ₦2.7bn fraud case
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday approved bail of ₦100 million each, requiring two sureties, for former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, his daughter, and two co-accused individuals following their denial of alleged corrupt practices brought against them by the federal government.
They were put on trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on behalf of the federal government.
Their respective lawyers moved applications for their bail which was granted by the Judge.
While Kanu Agabi SAN argued bail for Sirika, Mahmoud Magaji SAN stood for Fatima while Sunusi Musa SAN made a case for Jalal Sule Hamma.
Micheal Numa SAN represented Al Buraq Global Investment Limited at Thursday’s proceedings.
Although the bail request was opposed by the federal government counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, Justice Orijin admitted the three defendants to bail in the sum of N100m and two sureties each in the like sum.
The court ruled that the individuals providing surety must possess real estate in Abuja and be considered upstanding citizens.
Additionally, they are required to submit a sworn statement detailing their financial status.
Furthermore, the defendants are prohibited from travelling overseas without prior approval from the court.
Justice Oriji stated that if the defendants cannot fulfil the conditions of their release, they will be held in prison custody.
Part of the accusations against them are consultancy contract fraud for Nigerian Air (N1,326,731,670.97), contract for Apron Extension at Katsina Airport (N1,498,300,750.00 ); and gratification (N1,310,142,051.16)
The charge indicated that the defendants committed the alleged offence between April 2022 and March 2023 and that all the offences are contrary to Sections 12 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, Section 17 (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532 Acts of the Federal Capital Territory and punishable under the same sections.
The court fixed June 10 and 11 for the resumption of trial of the defendants.
Recall in a recent development surrounding the Nigeria Air scandal, the spotlight fell on Hadi Sirika, the former Minister of Aviation.
Allegations surfaced implicating Sirika in potential misconduct related to the failed Nigeria Air project.
The project aimed to establish a national carrier but was met with controversy and ultimately collapsed.
Investigations suggest financial irregularities and mismanagement under Sirika’s tenure.
As the inquiry unfolds, scrutiny intensifies on Sirika’s involvement, raising questions about accountability and transparency within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
