The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has alleged that former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Abubakar Sirika, entered into an arrangement with Ethiopian Airlines to temporarily bring one of its aircraft into Nigeria and present it as part of the controversial Nigeria Air project.
According to the anti-graft agency, investigations revealed that the aircraft showcased during the launch of Nigeria Air was owned by Ethiopian Airlines and was only contracted to remain in the country for three days.
The discovery formed part of the ongoing prosecution of Mr Sirika over the alleged N20 billion Nigeria Air fraud. He is standing trial alongside his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika; his son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule; and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited on six counts bordering on abuse of office and the alleged misappropriation of more than N2 billion in public funds.
Testifying before the court on Wednesday, EFCC investigator Christopher Odofin said Mr Sirika signed an agreement with Ethiopian Airlines to keep the aircraft in Nigeria until May 29, 2023—the day former President Muhammadu Buhari left office and President Bola Tinubu was sworn in.
Mr Odofin told the court that the arrangement included the deployment of Ethiopian Airlines crew members to fly the aircraft into Nigeria, while local models were allegedly hired to pose in Nigeria Air-branded uniforms for publicity photographs.
The witness further disclosed that the original Nigeria Air project contract, valued at N299 million, was awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited on April 4, 2022. He alleged that the contract was later increased to more than N599 million on October 17, 2022, at Mr Sirika’s instruction because of his purported relationship with the company.
“The investigating team arrived at this position when the phone of one Enitan Muyiwa Abel, who was a permanent secretary in the first defendant’s ministry, was analysed, showing a voice note sent to the permanent secretary while the first defendant was in Spain, instructing him to ensure that the contract was awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited,” Mr Odofin explained.
The case continues before the court as the EFCC seeks to prove allegations that the Nigeria Air project was used as a vehicle for the diversion of public funds and abuse of office.
