Hadi Sirika's Legal Tussle: Witness Testimony Raises Stakes
The Controversial Trial
Alleged ₦2.7 Billion Fraud: New Proof Presented Against Former Minister, Sirika, and Accomplices in Court
The former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, along with his family members and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, find themselves in the hot seat of a trial led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Accusations of abuse of office and misappropriation totaling ₦2.7 billion have been leved against them in an amended six-count charge[1][2][3].
Allegations and Amended Charges
At the heart of the trial are charges of abusing office, specifically in the form of unjust advantage given to Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, Sirika's daughter, and son-in-law. The most significant accusation is the controversial awarding of a ₦1,498,300,750 contract for the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport without adhering to due process[4]. The charges are in violation of various laws, including the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004[4].
Testimony of the Ninth Prosecution Witness
During the court proceedings, the Ninth Prosecution Witness, a retired General Manager of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), offered significant testimony relating to the son-in-law, Jalal Sule Hamma, and his employment history with NNRA. The witness alleged that Hamma was employed by NNRA in November 2021 but resigned before confirmation of his appointment[2][3]. Documents related to Hamma's employment, resignation, and returned properties were provided and submitted as evidence[2][3][4].
Ongoing Court Proceedings and Objections
The trial continues with the court accepting the tendered evidence despite objections raised by Hamma's and the fourth defendant’s attorneys. The court has ordered the EFCC to pay the required fees for certifying documents, and the case will continue on a later date[4]. The defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges leveled against them[4][5].
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Nigerian Monarch, Pastor Face Prison Time in US for $4.2 Million COVID-19 Relief Fund Scam | NDDC Debunks Scholarship Scam Allegations, Warns Nigerians | 32 Investors Sue Ex-Police Commissioner Over ₦1.4 Billion Investment Fraud | 'Yahoo-Yahoo Boy' Voluntarily Surrenders to EFCC | Fraud Allegation: Ex-Power Minister Appears in Court from Hospital Bed | Abuja Court Dismisses Legal Action Against Zinox, Others by Femi Falana
- The pastor and Nigerian monarch, both facing trials in different countries, now share a similar fate in the realm of justice.
- In one case, the duo stands accused of defrauding a COVID-19 relief fund to the tune of $4.2 million in the United States.
- Coincidentally, Sirika, the former Minister of Aviation, also faces a trial led by the EFCC in Abuja, Nigeria.
- Allegations against Sirika involve abusing office and misappropriation totaling ₦2.7 billion, with charges violating numerous laws, including the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
- The trial took an interesting turn when the Ninth Prosecution Witness, a former general manager of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, testified against Sirika's son-in-law.
- The witness claimed that the son-in-law was employed by NNRA but resigned before confirmation, and documents related to his employment, resignation, and returned properties were submitted as evidence.
- As the trial progresses, it intertwines with the broader landscape of politics, policy, and legislation in Nigeria, underscoring the intricacies of the crime-and-justice system.
- Simultaneously, other high-profile cases in Nigeria, such as the NDDC scholarship scam allegations, investment fraud cases, and Yahoo-Yahoo (fraud) cases, further emphasize the country's ongoing battle against corruption and economic crimes.
