Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and his daughter, Fatima, made their appearance at the Federal High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where they are set to face charges related to an alleged N2.7 billion fraud linked to the failed Nigerian Air project.
The duo arrived at the court premises amid heightened anticipation as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has levied six counts against them, along with two other individuals. The charges stem from purported irregularities occurring between April 2022 and March 2023 in Abuja.
READ ALSO: N2.7bn Fraud: EFCC To Arraign Ex-Aviation Minister Sirika, Daughter Thursday
Grassroots Parrot had reported that the anti-graft agency, accused Sirika of bestowing undue advantage upon certain entities during his tenure as minister.
And also alleges that he abused his official capacity by awarding a consultancy contract worth N1.3 billion for the Nigerian Air Start-up to Tianero Nigeria Limited.
The presence of Sirika and his daughter at the court underscores the gravity of the allegations leveled against them, as they prepare to formally respond to the charges brought forth by the EFCC.
READ ALSO: N2.7bn Fraud: EFCC To Arraign Ex-Aviation Minister Sirika, Daughter Thursday
The Nigerian Air project, which was intended to revitalize the nation’s aviation sector, has been mired in controversy, with allegations of mismanagement and financial impropriety surfacing in recent months.
As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes remain on the Federal High Court as it navigates through the complexities of this high-profile case, which underscores the ongoing battle against corruption within Nigeria’s corridors of power.