Hadi Sirika, Daughter, Son-in-law Arraigned over Alleged N4.1Bn Fraud

*Get N100m bail each

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The federal government has formally arraigned the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, over alleged breach of trust and fraud.
Sirika, his daughter, Fatima, son-in-law Jalal Hamma and a firm, Al-Duraq Investment Ltd, were arraigned before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, Abuja.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a six count charge against the defendants bordering on alleged abuse of office and fraud to the tune of N4.1 billion.

They were said to have committed the alleged offences while Sirika served as minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges, following which their lawyers moved their individual bail applications.
While Kanu Agabi, SAN argued bail for Sirika, Mahmoud Magaji, SAN argued that of Fatima and Sunusi Musa, SAN,made case for Jalal Sule Hamma. The fourth defendant, Al Duraq was represented by Mr Micheal Numa, SAN.
Although prosecution counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, objected to the grant of the bail, Justice Oriji, admitted each of the defendants to bail in the sum of N100m with two sureties in the like sum.

Each of the sureties, who must be resident in Abuja, and must own verifiable landed properties.
The property documents as well as the international passports of the defendants must be deposited with the court, and the defendants cannot travel out of the court’s jurisdiction or country without the permission of the court.
While adjourning the matter till June 10 and 11 for commencement of trial, the court held that if the defendants were unable to perfect their bail before the close of work,they would be remanded in a Correctional Center until they are able to do so.