In a recent development, the Maitama Division of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has remanded Hadi Sirika, the former aviation minister, along with two others, to prison.
This action followed the granting of bail to each of the defendants at the sum of N100 million by Justice Sylvanus Oriji.
The charges brought against Mr. Sirika by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) include six counts of fraud, alleging that he abused his office and was involved in federal contract procurement fraud.
Also arraigned were Mr. Sirika’s daughter, Fatima Sirika, Jalal Hamma, and Al-Duraq Investment Ltd.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges. Subsequently, Justice Oriji granted them bail, a decision contested by their legal representatives who argued that the terms were stringent.
Justice Oriji specified the bail conditions:
Each defendant was required to provide two sureties, each posting a bail bond of N100 million.
The sureties must be responsible citizens of Nigeria residing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Each surety must possess landed property within the Abuja Municipal Area Council, covered by a valued certificate of occupancy issued by the FCT minister.
The residential addresses of the sureties were to be verified by the court registrar.
Each surety must provide an affidavit of means.
The defendants were prohibited from leaving the country without the court’s permission while the charges are pending.
Justice Oriji warned that failure to meet these conditions would result in the defendants being remanded at the Kuje correctional facility, and he adjourned the matter until June 10 for the commencement of the trial.
Rotimi Jacobs led the EFCC prosecution team, while Kanu Agabi and Mahmoud Magaji represented Mr. Sirika and Fatima Sirika, respectively.
Sanusi Musa represented Jalal Hamma, and Michael Numa represented Al-Duraq Investment Ltd.
