Justice Sylvanus Oriji-led Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja on Thursday, granted Hadi Sirika, the former aviation minister, and others bail in the sum of N100 million each over an alleged N2.7 billion fraud.
The Informant247 reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Sirika alongside his daughter, Fatima, before the Court on Thursday.
Also arraigned were Jalal Hamma and Al-Duraq Investment Ltd for alleged abuse of office to the tune of N2.7 billion, slamming six counts charge against them.
It was learned that Sirika allegedly used his position as the Minister of Aviation to fraudulently award contracts to his daughter, son-in-law and associates.
While granting them bail, the court ruled that they must provide two sureties who must have landed properties in Abuja, adding that the sureties, who should be responsible citizens, must depose to an affidavit of means.
It also restricted the defendants from travelling abroad without its permission.
The court ruled that if they cannot meet their bail conditions, they should be remanded in prison.
Back story:
Alleged N2.7bn fraud: former Aviation minister Sirika, daughter to be arraigned Thursday
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has fixed Thursday, May 9, 2024, for the arraignment of Hadi Sirika, the former minister of Aviation, over an alleged N2.7billion.
According to reports, the former minister, alongside three others, including his daughter, Fatima, Jalal Hamma and Al-Duraq Investment Ltd, would be arraigned on a six-count amended charge before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Sirika served under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as part of EFCC investigations into the financial misconduct allegedly committed by the former minister, “ including fraudulent contracts awarded by the ministry under his watch, had on April 23 detained in Abuja’’.
A source in the EFCC who pleaded anonymously told NAN, “The former minister (Sirika) was invited for questioning by investigators handling the alleged contract frauds under his watch in the ministry. He honoured the invitation and has been detained as I am talking with you,”.
The source also said that EFCC had been investigating the alleged contract frauds while the minister was in office, and he had even met with investigators before he was detained.
NAN