Court Grants Sirika Temporary Reprieve over Mother’s Health, Resumes Trial January 2025

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has granted former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, permission to travel abroad to provide medical care for his ailing mother.

Justice Sylvanus Oriji delivered the ruling on Thursday, following a motion filed by Sirika’s legal team.

This decision comes amid an ongoing trial involving Sirika, his daughter Fatima, son-in-law Jalal Hamma, and Al Buraq Investment Ltd, a company listed as a co-defendant.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought charges of corruption and fraudulent practices against the former minister and his co-accused, centred on the Nigeria Air project and other alleged infractions during his tenure.

Sirika, who served as Minister of Aviation from August 2019 to May 2023, stands accused of using his ministerial position to confer undue advantage on associates and family members.

The EFCC alleged that Sirika influenced the award of a consultancy contract for the Nigeria Air Start-up to Tianaero Nigeria Limited, a company linked to his associate, Professor Gabriel Tilmann, for N1.33 billion.

In a related charge, Sirika was accused of favouring Al Buraq Global Investment Ltd, allegedly tied to his daughter and son-in-law, by securing a contract worth N1.5 billion for the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport.

Both charges, according to the EFCC, violate Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Sirika and his co-defendants have denied all charges, with trial proceedings ongoing.

During Thursday’s proceedings, Sirika’s counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), had urged the court to allow his client to travel abroad, citing the urgent medical needs of his elderly mother.

Although EFCC counsel James O. Shaba initially opposed the motion, he later withdrew his counter affidavit.

In his ruling, Justice Oriji granted the request, stating that the defendant’s submissions regarding his mother’s health warranted compassion.

The court instructed Sirika to return to Nigeria on or before 21 January 2025 to resume his trial.

The case is part of a broader investigation into financial misconduct within the aviation sector during Sirika’s tenure.

The EFCC had previously arrested Sirika’s brother, Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, for alleged contract fraud involving over N8 billion.

This includes claims of conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and money laundering linked to aviation contracts awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited, a company reportedly owned by Abubakar.

In a separate development, another FCT High Court in Garki had earlier barred Sirika from leaving the country without court approval.

Justice Oriji has scheduled the continuation of Sirika’s trial for 23 January 2025.

While the court granted Sirika temporary reprieve for his mother’s medical needs, it reiterated the importance of his presence in subsequent legal proceedings.

The EFCC, empowered by law to prosecute financial crimes, continues its investigations, emphasising the principle that every accused person remains innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.

Sirika faces allegations of: Awarding contracts to companies linked to family members and associates,

Conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds.

Contract inflation and criminal breach of trust, totalling over N8 billion.