Sirika, daughter appears in court over alleged N2.7bn fraud

Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, along with his daughter, Fatima, on Thursday appeared before the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

They arrived at the court around 9 am on Thursday.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Sirika, Fatima, and son-in-law Jalal Sule Hamma of fraud and abuse of office amounting to N2.7 billion, as stated in the six-count amended charge presented to them.

Al-Duraq Investment Limited, a company linked to the case, is also named as a defendant.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, asked the court to give the case an expeditious hearing.

Jacobs told the court that the defendants were granted bail by the commission and to report on the 19th of April, but failed to do so.

He asked the court to ensure that the defendants appear in court to avoid an unnecessary delay in the case.

However, Counsel to Sirika, Kanu Agabi, asked the court that he should be granted bail on self-recognition.