Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika is set to face trial before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Maitama Division of the FCT High Court on Thursday. Alongside three others, including his daughter Fatima, Jalal Hamma, and Al-Duraq Investment Ltd, Sirika will be arraigned on a six-count amended charge, accused of abuse of office amounting to N2.7 billion.

The charges stem from investigations conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into alleged financial malfeasance during Sirika’s tenure as minister. The investigation revealed purported fraudulent contracts awarded by the ministry under his leadership.

Sirika was detained by the EFCC on April 23 in Abuja after being questioned by investigators handling the alleged contract frauds. Sources within the EFCC, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the investigation had been ongoing during Sirika’s tenure and that he had previously met with investigators before his detention.

Initially scheduled for Tuesday, the arraignment was postponed to accommodate the EFCC’s request to amend the charge.

Credit: NAN