The Federal High Court in Abuja, has granted former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika and his daughter bail of 100 million Naira each after their arraignment in court on Thursday.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Sirika on a six-count amended charge bordering on an alleged N2.7 billion contract fraud and reportedly detained him on April 23 pending his arraignment.
During the court proceedings, Sirika, his daughter, her husband Jalal Hamma, and Al-Duraq Global Investment Limited, entered pleas of not guilty when the charges were read to them.
The charges against Sirika include conferring unfair advantage in the alleged illegal award of consultancy contracts to Tianaero Nigeria Limited for the startup of Air Nigeria, with Prof. Gabriel Tillman, reportedly an associate of the former Minister, acting as the alter ego of the firm.
Tianaero received N1.3 billion for its consultancy services for Air Nigeria.
Additionally, the former Aviation Minister is accused of awarding a contract worth approximately N1.4 billion for the construction of the apron at Katsina Airport to Al-Duraq Global Investment Limited, a company owned by his daughter and son-in-law.
Chioma Kalu
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