Ex-Minister Sirika, Daughter Granted N200 Million Bail in Alleged N2.7 Billion Contract Fraud Case

Hadi Sirika, a former Nigerian aviation minister, has been arraigned at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, alongside his daughter, Fatima. Both were charged with involvement in a contract fraud worth N2.7 billion and granted bail of N100 million each.

The case, prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), involves six counts related to the alleged contract fraud. Sirika had been detained by the EFCC on April 23, with investigations into the allegations dating back to his time in office. The arraignment, initially set for Tuesday, was rescheduled to Thursday following an EFCC request to amend the charges.

Sirika, who served as aviation minister from 2019 to 2023 during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, pleaded not guilty alongside his daughter, son-in-law, Jalal Hamma, and Al-Duraq Investment Ltd. The EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, urged the court to ensure the defendants continued to appear for trial without unnecessary delays.

The defense counsels, Kanu Agabi for Sirika and Mahmoud Magaji for Fatima, requested bail on compassionate grounds. Agabi sought bail based on self-recognition, while Magaji noted that Fatima is a nursing mother and should receive leniency.

The presiding judge, Sylvanus Oriji, granted bail of N100 million each for the defendants, with two sureties required in the same amount. The sureties must be responsible citizens residing in the FCT with landed property covered by a Certificate of Occupancy, among other conditions. Defendants are also restricted from leaving the country without court approval during the trial, and failure to meet bail conditions would result in detention.

The case is scheduled for trial on June 10, 11, and 20.