Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, has once again asserted his innocence in the face of accusations of N19.4bn contract fraud, as he and his brother, Ahmad Abubakar Sirika, alongside Enginos Nigeria Limited, stood trial before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja.
Just a week after denying allegations of N2.7 billion fraud, the Sirika family finds themselves confronting a fresh set of charges, this time totaling N19.4 billion, adding further complexity to their legal battle.
The charges specifically allege that Sirika exploited his position to benefit Enginos Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his biological brother, Ahmad, through the improper awarding of contracts. Among the accusations, Sirika stands accused of using his influence to secure contracts for projects including the construction of a terminal building and the establishment of a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre at Katsina Airport, both awarded to companies associated with his brother.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) claims Sirika not only influenced these contracts but also had possession of significant sums of money, which allegedly represented proceeds of criminal conduct. According to the prosecution, Ahmad, besides being the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Enginos Nigeria Limited, holds sole authorization over the company’s bank accounts.
Facing Justice S.B. Belgore, Sirika and his brother, Ahmad, maintained their plea of not guilty, signaling their intent to vigorously contest the charges brought against them. In a statement following the proceedings, their legal team reiterated their confidence in proving their innocence, emphasizing their commitment to a fair and transparent legal process.
