Nigeria: Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika and Daughter to be Arraigned for N2.7bn Fraud
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
On May 9, 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced that it would be arraigning the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, his daughter Fatimah, and two other suspects on charges of contract fraud. The alleged fraud involves a sum of N2.7 billion and was uncovered during Sirika’s tenure as Minister of Aviation.
The arraignment is scheduled to take place on Thursday, before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal High Court in Abuja. This will be the first time that Sirika will face trial in relation to the charges against him.
The co-defendants in the case are Fatimah Sirika, Jalal Hamma, and Al-Duraq Investment Ltd. They are accused of using their positions to launder funds amounting to over N2.7 billion.
Further details of the case are expected to be revealed during the court proceedings.
This development marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in the Aviation Ministry during Sirika’s tenure. The EFCC has been working diligently to uncover and prosecute individuals involved in financial misconduct, and this case is one of many efforts to hold accountable those who abuse their positions for personal gains.
