Still on Captain Hadi Sirika

The former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, was in the news again recently. It is still on the case instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Last week, a damning testimony was presented against Sirika and his family members, who are accused of benefiting from a N19.4 billion contract.

EFCC witness, Mr. Yesufu Isaiah, a Director at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), said the controversial contract for the construction of the Katsina airport terminal building and apron expansion was initially budgeted at N800 million but was later increased to N2.7 billion without justification.

The witness revealed that the contract was split into two separate contracts, awarded to Enginos Nigeria Limited and Al-Buraq, companies owned by Sirika’s brother and son-in-law, respectively.

This move, the witness argued, was in contravention of the Public Procurement Act, which prohibits public servants from awarding contracts to their relatives.

The witness further stated that the BPP was not informed of the changes to the contract, and no certificate of no objection was obtained, which is a clear indication of corruption.

The EFCC is prosecuting Sirika and his family members for their alleged roles in the N19.4 billion contract scam. The trial is ongoing, with the EFCC presenting its case before the Abuja High Court.

The defense counsel has argued that the contract was awarded in accordance with the law and that the increase in the contract sum was justified.

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However, the prosecution counsel has countered that the contract was awarded without transparency and that the increase in the contract sum was a clear indication of corruption.

The case has significant implications for the aviation sector in Nigeria, and if the allegations are proven true, it could lead to a major overhaul of the sector and a renewed focus on transparency and accountability.

The public is eagerly following the developments in the case and many are calling for justice to be served and for those responsible to be held accountable.

Outcome of the case will determine the fate of the accused and shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the alleged corruption.

EFCC’s investigation into the alleged corruption surrounding the N19.4 billion contract is ongoing, and the commission has recovered several documents and is working to bring the perpetrators to justice.

This trial is expected to continue, with the prosecution presenting more evidence and witnesses to prove the allegations.

The defense is also expected to present its case and argue that the contract was awarded in accordance with the law.

Ultimately, the court will determine the guilt or innocence of the accused and bring closure to the case.

We are watching!