Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, along with his daughter, Fatima, and son-in-law, Jalal Sule Hamma, have entered a plea of not guilty to charges of alleged corrupt practices amounting to approximately ₦2.7 billion, leveled against them by the Federal Government.
Appearing before Justice Sylvanus Oriji at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the defendants, including a firm named Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, formally denied the six-count charges brought against them.
In response to their plea, the defense counsels promptly filed bail applications on behalf of their clients, which were subsequently granted by the presiding judge.
Justice Oriji approved bail for the trio at ₦100 million each, coupled with the requirement of two sureties each posting the same sum. The sureties are mandated to be upstanding citizens with verifiable residential addresses, one of whom must possess landed property with a certificate of occupancy duly signed by the FCT Minister.
Additionally, the court imposed restrictions on international travel without prior court permission. In the event of failure to fulfill the bail conditions, Justice Orijin directed that the defendants be remanded in prison custody until bail conditions are met.
The trial proceedings are scheduled to commence on June 10th.
Sirika, a key figure in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, faces accusations from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of exploiting his ministerial position to award contracts to family members and associates.
This development follows the earlier arrest of Sirika’s brother, Abubakar Sirika, by the EFCC on allegations of contract fraud within the aviation ministry.
Notably, Sirika is among several high-profile individuals associated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) currently under investigation by the EFCC for alleged financial impropriety. Other notable figures under scrutiny include former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Beta Edu.
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