Former Minister Sirika Accused of Awarding Contract to Ineligible Company in N2.8b Fraud Case
The trial of former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, continued on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, with the Fifth Prosecution Witness (PW5), Musa Odiniyan, testifying that Al Buraq Global Investment was not qualified for the contract to repair the Katsina Airport, which was awarded by Sirika’s ministry under his leadership.
Sirika, along with three others—Fatima Hadi Sirika, Jalal Sule Hamma, and Al Buraq Global Investment—are facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on six amended charges related to contract fraud totaling N2,825,032,220.97 (over two billion eight hundred million naira).
During cross-examination by Michael Numa, SAN, counsel for the fourth defendant, Odiniyan reaffirmed his earlier testimony, asserting that Al Buraq Global Investment did not meet the necessary qualifications for the contract if the bidding process had been open and competitive.
He explained, “We apply specific criteria when awarding contracts, and I maintain that if the bidding had been open and competitive, Al Buraq would not have qualified.”
Odiniyan also revealed that the contract was paid for primarily to ensure it was completed and inaugurated by former President Buhari before the end of his administration.
