By John Obi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Hadi Sirika, former aviation minister, over an alleged contract fraud.
Sirika was arraigned alongside his brother,Ahmad Abubakar Sirika, and Enginos Nigeria Limited, a company owned by Abubakar; on a 10-count amended charge dated May 13 and filed on May 14, 2024.
The former Aviation Minister under the Buhari administration is alleged to have abused his office by awarding contracts worth N19.4 billion to Enginos Nigeria Limited.
The defendants however pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
Sirika was first detained by the EFCC on April 23.. He was arraigned on May 9.alongsjde his daughter, Fatima,Jalal Hamma, his son – in – law, and Al – Draw Investment Limited over an alleged N2.7 billion contract fraud.
On May 14, Sirika’s arraignment was stalled because the defendants did not show up in court
All the defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail in the sum of N100 million each.
Sirika was aviation minister in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023.
