Former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika and his brother, Ahmad Sirika, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to allegations of involvement in a N19.4 billion contract fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Sirika, his brother, and their company, Enginos Nigeria Limited, on an amended 10-count charge related to the offence.
The EFCC’s new charges accuse the former Minister, his brother, and Enginos Nigeria Limited of manipulating their positions to secure lucrative contracts.
Specifically, Hadi Sirika is charged with using his position as Minister to confer undue advantage to Enginos Nigeria Limited, whose alter ego is his brother, Ahmad Sirika.
The charges include:
– On or about August 18, 2022, Hadi Sirika allegedly influenced the award of a N1.345 billion contract for the construction of a Terminal Building at Katsina Airport to Enginos Nigeria Limited, violating Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
– On or about November 3, 2022, Sirika is accused of influencing the award of a N3.811 billion contract for establishing a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre at Katsina Airport to Enginos Nigeria Limited, again violating Section 19 of the same Act.
– On or about May 5, 2023, Sirika allegedly influenced the award of a N615.195 million contract for the procurement and installation of lifts, air conditioners, and power generators for Aviation House, Abuja, to Enginos Nigeria Limited, constituting another violation of Section 19 of the Act.
Additionally, between August 2022 and May 2023, Hadi Sirika and Enginos Nigeria Limited are accused of possessing N2.337 billion, which allegedly represented the proceeds of criminal conduct by Ahmad Sirika.
This violates Section 17 (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.
The court has yet to release further details on the proceedings.
Details to follow…
