A compliance officer from Zenith Bank Plc, Mishelia Arhyel, informed the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Tuesday that Fatima Sirika and her husband, Jalal Hamma, owned Al-Buraq Global Investment Ltd, a company implicated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an aviation fraud case.
Arhyel testified as the EFCC’s second witness in the case against former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, his daughter Fatima, son-in-law Jalal Hamma, and Al-Buraq Global Investment Ltd.
The defendants were arraigned before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the FCT High Court.
EFCC’s Case
The EFCC charged Hadi Sirika with contract fraud involving his daughter and son-in-law, as well as fraudulent practices linked to the Nigeria Air project. Sirika is accused of using his position to benefit Tianaero Nigeria Limited and Al-Buraq Global Investment Ltd, companies allegedly associated with his family.
The EFCC alleges that Sirika influenced contract awards for the Nigeria Air project and the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport to these companies. It claims N1.4 billion was approved to Al-Buraq for the Apron Extension contract. The defendants face accusations of breach of trust and misuse of public office involving over N2 billion, violating the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act and the Penal Code Act. All defendants pleaded not guilty, allowing the trial to proceed.
Court Proceedings
During the trial, Arhyel, under the guidance of EFCC lead counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), explained his role as a compliance officer, which includes managing correspondence from law enforcement on behalf of Zenith Bank. He confirmed that in February 2023, the bank received a letter from the EFCC requesting account statements for Al-Buraq, Jalal Hamma, and Fatima.
The prosecution presented the bank statements, which the court admitted without opposition from the defense. Arhyel stated that Al-Buraq was registered on June 17, 2021, with directors Hamal Jalal, Sirika Fatima Hadi, and Shinade Saratu. He noted that Fatima and Jalal have significant control over the company, with Fatima serving as the secretary and both being key signatories.
Earlier, Azubuike Okorie, a former Special Assistant to the ex-Aviation Minister, testified that the frustration caused by the Nigerian Air Force and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) hindered the Katsina Airport extension contract. Under cross-examination by defense counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN), Okorie asserted that the contract followed due process and was unrelated to the contractor’s competence or the relationship with Sirika’s family.
The court adjourned the trial to June 20, 2024.
Background
The EFCC reported the arrest of Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, Hadi Sirika’s brother, over an alleged contract fraud in the aviation ministry. Abubakar was detained on February 4, following an investigation into the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. During his tenure, Hadi Sirika faced multiple allegations, including conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, contract inflation, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering totaling N8,069,176,864. These funds were allegedly connected to four aviation contracts awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger brother.
The EFCC is authorized by law to investigate financial crimes, and all accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a competent court.
Sirika served as the aviation minister from August 22, 2019, to May 29, 2023.
By FCCT Editorial Team freeslots dinogame telegram营销
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