The Sirika defence has challenged approval documents and procurement procedures in the alleged N19.4 billion Katsina Airport contract fraud case involving former Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Abubakar Sirika. During cross-examination, the defence questioned who initiated an approval request, what the relevant documents covered, and whether the prosecution witness had visited the airport.
Defence counsel Joseph Kwahar, holding the brief of lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), questioned the third prosecution witness, Engineer Isaiah Ganiyu Yesufu, for more than an hour. Yesufu is the Director of Certification, Compliance and Monitoring at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). The proceedings took place before Justice Suleiman Belgore of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Garki Division, Abuja.
Sirika Defence Questions Approval Trail
During cross-examination, the Sirika defence examined documents relating to the approval process and sought clarification about who requested the approval and which project it covered. In an exchange concerning Exhibit C1, Yesufu reportedly confirmed that the document contained the request on which the approval was based. When asked who made the request, he identified the ministry’s Permanent Secretary at the time, identified in the earlier account as Mr Abel Enitan.
Counsel also questioned whether the request originated from the defendants. The exchange brought the administrative process and the respective roles of officials into focus. However, the recording does not conclusively establish the full wording of Exhibit C1 or the precise scope of the approval.
The defence also questioned the distinction between a terminal building and a wider airport development project. Counsel referred to a letter described during proceedings as a statement of no objection and questioned whether it contained reasons for withholding approval. The available recording does not clearly establish the complete responses or whether the approval covered one project or multiple components.
Earlier Testimony on Sirika’s Role
During an earlier session, Yesufu told the court that Sirika neither issued nor signed letters awarding the disputed contracts. He also testified that the former minister did not participate in the Ministry of Aviation’s ministerial tenders board proceedings that led to the awards.
“I am aware that the first defendant (former minister) is on trial for violation of procurement processes. As far as I know, he did not participate in the ministerial tenders board’s proceedings. He did not issue or sign any of the letters awarding the contracts,” Yesufu told the court.
The witness further testified that procurements at the Ministry of Aviation were governed by the Public Procurement Act. According to him, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary served as accounting officer and was responsible for ensuring compliance with the law. He identified Mr Enitan as the official holding that responsibility during the period under investigation.
Witness Says He Never Visited Katsina Airport
Another point raised during cross-examination was Yesufu’s knowledge of the airport itself. When counsel asked whether he had ever visited Katsina Airport, the witness answered that he had not. Counsel subsequently questioned him about the distinction between an airport and its terminal building.
The Sirika defence also examined the wording of the relevant correspondence and the basis for the approval process. However, the testimony available from the recording does not establish that the witness was asked to assess completed construction works personally. His admission about the site visit therefore remains distinct from his evidence concerning official documents and procurement procedures.
EFCC Alleges N19.4bn Contract Abuse
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Sirika alongside his younger brother, Ahmad Abubakar Sirika, and two companies, Al-Buraq Limited and Enginos Nigeria Limited. The four defendants face a 10-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, criminal breach of trust and using public office for gratification. All have pleaded not guilty.
The EFCC alleges that Sirika used his position to influence contracts worth approximately N19.4 billion in favour of his younger brother. One allegation concerns a N1,345,586,500 contract for a terminal building at Katsina Airport, which the commission alleges was awarded to Enginos Nigeria Limited through Sirika’s influence.
The prosecution also alleges that Sirika influenced the award of a N3,811,497,685 contract for a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre at the airport. The alleged offences occurred between August 2022 and May 2023, according to the case account. The charges cite relevant provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004, and the Penal Code applicable to the FCT.
Court Fixes December Dates
At the end of the proceedings, Justice Belgore adjourned the case to December 8 and 9, 2026, for the re-examination of the witness. Earlier, prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) informed the court that the prosecution intended to introduce another witness at a subsequent sitting.
The proceedings followed an earlier request by the prosecution to vacate a previously scheduled date for continued cross-examination. The Sirika defence did not oppose that request, and the court subsequently fixed the dates for further proceedings.
