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EFCC Schedules Arraignment for Sirika and His Brother on Tuesday |
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to bring former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and his brother to court for arraignment before Justice Belgore at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Garki** this Tuesday.
Previously, a Federal Capital Territory High Court granted Sirika and co-defendants bail for N100 million each.
Last Thursday, Sirika, his daughter Fatima, Jalal Hamma, and Al-Duraq Investment Ltd were formally charged before Justice Sylvanus Oriji at the FCT High Court in Maitama, accused of misusing office to misappropriate N2.7 billion.
The charge sheet accuses Sirika of exploiting his ministerial role to improperly assign contracts to his daughter, son-in-law, and close associates, resulting in a six-count indictment by the EFCC.
Upon granting bail, the court mandated that each defendant must secure two sureties with property in Abuja, who are also to provide an affidavit of financial status.
Additionally, the defendants are barred from international travel without court approval.
Should they fail to fulfill bail terms, the court has ordered their detention.
The Daily Trust reported Sirika's arrest by the EFCC in April, followed by several days of detention.
He faced interrogation regarding the failed Nigeria Air project and allegations of conspiracy, misallocation of public funds, and inflating contracts during his tenure in the aviation sector.
Sirika, who served in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has a political history as a member of the House of Representatives and as a senator for Katsina North Senatorial District under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) banner in 2011.
