A prosecution witness told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that Hadi Abubakar Sirika, former Minister of Aviation, violated procurement procedures in the award and extension of consultancy contracts linked to the controversial Nigeria Air project.
Christopher Odofin, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleged before Sylvanus Oriji (Justice) that Sirika awarded contracts worth N898 million to Tianaero Nigeria Limited without adhering to the required approval process involving the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
Sirika is currently facing trial on amended six-count charges bordering on alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds exceeding N2 billion.
He is being prosecuted alongside his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika, his son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule, and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited.
Testifying as the 12th prosecution witness, Odofin said EFCC investigations revealed that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development awarded a N299 million consultancy contract to Tianaero Nigeria Limited on April 4, 2022, and subsequently granted the same company an additional N599 million contract extension on April 6, 2022.
