A prosecution witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Musa Odiniya, has testified against former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika in an alleged N2.7 billion contract fraud case.
Odiniya, a former Director of Procurement at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), revealed during an Abuja High Court session on Tuesday that Al-Duraq Investment Limited, a company registered in 2021, secured the contract for the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport in 2022.
Sirika, along with his daughter Fatima, Jalal Sule Hamma, and Al-Duraq Investment Nigeria Limited, faces six charges, including abuse of office and fraudulent contract awards. The EFCC alleges that Sirika awarded contracts to a company linked to his daughter and her husband in violation of anti-corruption laws.
Odiniya highlighted irregularities in the contract award process, explaining that firms bidding for contracts must provide affidavits affirming no familial ties to ministry staff. He stated, “A company registered within a year of the award may not have the capacity to handle a project. The company is not qualified.”
He further disclosed that the apron extension contract, valued at N800 million, was awarded to a company ineligible under standard procurement rules.
Following Odiniya’s testimony, Sirika’s counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), requested an adjournment to cross-examine the witness and sought permission for Sirika to travel abroad with his ailing mother.
Justice Sylvanus Oriji adjourned the case to January 23, 2025, for cross-examination and continuation of hearing. A ruling on the motion for Sirika’s travel is expected tomorrow.
