EFCC set to arraign ex-aviation minister Sirika, Daughter over N2.7bn fraud allegations

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign the immediate-past Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, over an alleged N2.7bn fraud linked to the failed Nigerian Air project.

Hadi Sirika, along with his daughter, Fatimah, and two others, will face six counts before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.

According to court documents, Sirika is accused of conferring undue advantage on certain entities between April 2022 and March 2023 in Abuja.

The EFCC alleges that he abused his office by awarding a N1.3bn consultancy contract for the Nigerian Air Start-up to Tianero Nigeria Limited, contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Furthermore, the agency claims that Sirika used his position to influence the award of a contract worth N1.498bn for the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport to Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, where his daughter and son-in-law are linked. This purportedly violates the same section of the Act.

The EFCC had previously detained Sirika in late April for questioning related to the case.