The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, his brother, Ahmad Sirika, and a firm, Enginos Nigeria Limited, on fresh ten-count charges before Justice Suleman Belgore of the FCT High Court in Garki, Abuja.
The charges center on allegations of a N19.4 billion fraud related to airport contracts awarded during Hadi Sirika’s tenure as Minister.
The EFCC accuses the defendants of leveraging Sirika’s ministerial position to unfairly benefit Enginos Nigeria Limited, a company linked to his brother, Ahmad Sirika.
Key Charges
COUNT 1:
Hadi Sirika, while serving as Minister of Aviation, allegedly used his position on August 18, 2022, to influence the award of a N1.34 billion contract for the construction of a Terminal Building at Katsina Airport to Enginos Nigeria Limited, whose alter ego is his brother Ahmad Sirika.
This act, according to the EFCC, violates Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
COUNT 2:
On November 3, 2022, Sirika allegedly influenced the award of a N3.81 billion contract for the establishment of a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre at Katsina Airport to Enginos Nigeria Limited, also in breach of the same anti-corruption law.
COUNT 3:
The former minister is accused of conferring an unfair advantage on Enginos Nigeria Limited by awarding a N615 million contract for the procurement and installation of a lift, air conditioners, and power generators for the Aviation House in Abuja on May 5, 2023.
COUNT 4:
Ahmad Sirika and Enginos Nigeria Limited are charged with possessing N2.33 billion, allegedly proceeds from the criminal activities of Hadi Sirika, between August 2022 and May 2023.
Court Proceedings:
The defendants, upon reading of the charges, pleaded not guilty.
They are accused of multiple offenses including using public office for gratification, criminal breach of trust, and holding private interests in public contracts, contrary to various sections of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and the Penal Code Act.
In a briefing, the EFCC stated, “The defendants used their official capacities to confer unfair advantages and misappropriate funds meant for public projects.
These actions have not only breached public trust but also contravened the laws established to prevent such misconduct.”
Legal Implications
Justice Suleman Belgore has scheduled further hearings to examine the evidence presented by the prosecution.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by the EFCC to clamp down on corruption within public offices.
The trial underscores significant issues of governance and integrity in public office, as the EFCC continues to pursue cases that reflect misuse of ministerial positions for personal gain.
