The duo arrived in the court on Thursday morning for their arraignment over alleged N2.7 billion fraud.
The Minister of Aviation during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, Hadi Sirika, and his daughter, Fatimah, have arrived at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
The duo arrived in the court on Thursday morning for their arraignment over alleged N2.7 billion fraud.
A video posted by Channel TV shows the moment the suspects were speaking with their lawyers before the commencement of the trial.
SaharaReporters had reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission declared its readiness to charge the former minister, Fatimah and two other suspects.
The two other suspects are identified as Jalal Hamma and Al-Duraq Investment Ltd.
The commission is charging the suspects for alleged N2.7 billion contract fraud uncovered in the aviation ministry under Sirika and during then-President Buhari’s administration.
SaharaReporters had reported how the EFCC arrested Hadi Sirika in April.
Sirika was grilled about alleged fraudulent contracts he authorised for a company called Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.
In January, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, revealed that the EFCC was investigating the controversial Nigeria Air deal sealed by Sirika.
The minister said, “The EFCC is investigating that deal. There is a criminal investigation going on. I have called for the report.”
Alleged N2.7bn Fraud
The former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and his daughter Fatima arrive at the Federal Capital Territory High Court for their arraignment by the EFCC for alleged fraud and abuse of office.#ChannelsTVNews pic.twitter.com/kqTdahSRXQ
— Channels Television (@channelstv) May 9, 2024