News
Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, Daughter, Son-In-law Arraigned, Get N100m Bail Each
A former Aviation Minister, Hadi Abubakar Sirika, on Thursday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), denied the alleged corrupt practices involving about N4.135 billion brought against him by the federal government.
Sirika was arraigned before Justice Sylvanus Oriji along with his daughter, Fatima, his son-in-law, Jalal Sule Hamma, and a firm – Al Buraq Global Investment Limited.
The daughter and son-in-law also pleaded not guilty to the six-count charges when read to them.
They were put on trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on behalf of the federal government.
Following their denial of the fraud charges, their respective lawyers filed applications for their bail, which was granted by the judge.
While Kanu Agabi SAN argued bail for Sirika, Mahmoud Magaji SAN stood for Fatima, while Sunusi Musa SAN made the case for Jalal Sule Hamma.
Michael Numa, SAN represented Al Buraq Global Investment Limited at Thursday’s proceedings.
Although the bail request was opposed by the federal government counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, Justice Oriji admitted the three defendants to bail in the sum of N100M and two sureties each in the like sum.
The sureties must be responsible citizens with verifiable home addresses, while one of them must have landed property with a certificate of occupancy signed by the FCT Minister.
The judge ordered that the defendants must not travel out of the country without the express permission of the court.
If unable to perfect the bail conditions, Justice Oriji ordered that they should be remanded in prison custody until the time of perfection of bail conditions.
The court fixed June 10 and 11 for the resumption of the trial of the defendants.
Part of the accusations against them include consultancy contract fraud for Nigerian Air (N1,326,731,670.97), contract for Apron Extension at Katsina Airport (N1,498,300,750.00); and gratification (N1,310,142,051.16).
The charge indicated that the defendants committed the alleged offense between April 2022 and March 2023.
It also indicated that all the offenses are contrary to Sections 12 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act 2000, to Section 17(b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, and Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532 Acts of the Federal Capital Territory and punishable under the same sections.
The charge read, “That you – Hadi Abubakar Sirika – while being the minister of Aviation between April 2022 and March 2023, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use your position to confer unfair advantage upon Tianaero Nigeria Limited, whose alter ego Prof. Gabriel Tilmann, is your Associate by using your position to influence the award to them, the consultancy contract for the Nigerian Air Start-up and extension of same for the sum of N1,326,731,670.97 and you thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act 2000 and punishable under the same section.
“That you – Hadi Abubakar Sirika while being the Minister of Aviation on or about 16th August 2022 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did use your position to confer unfair advantage upon Al Buraq Global Investment Limited whose alter ego Fatima Hadi Sirika and Jalal Sule Hamma are your daughter and son-in-law respectively by using your position to influence the award to them, the contract for the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport, for the sum of N1,498,300,750.00 and you thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act, 2000, and punishable under the same section.
“That you Hadi Abubakar Sirika, while being the Minister of Aviation and in such capacity as a public officer on or about 18th August 2022 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court entrusted with certain property to wit the sum of N1,498,300,750.00 committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property by being dishonestly connected with the illegal award of the contract for the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport, to and for the benefit of Al Buraq Global Investment Limited whose alter ego are Fatima Hadi Sirika and Jalal Sule Hamma, your daughter and son-in-law respectively and you thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532 Acts of the Federal Capital Territory and punishable under the same section.
“That you – Hadi Abubakar Sirika – while being the Minister of Aviation, Fatima Hadi Sirika while being a public servant and an employee of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd and Jalal Sule Hamma while being a public servant and an employee of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission on or about 18th August 2022 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did knowingly hold indirectly private interests in the contract for the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport for the sum of N1,498,300,750.00 awarded to Al Buraq Global Investment Limited whose alter ego are Fatima Hadi Sirika and Jalal Sule Hamma which contract was awarded on account of public service and you thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 12 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act, 2000, and punishable under the same section.”
“That – you Fatima Hadi Sirika, Jalal Sule Hamma and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited – between 2022 and 2023 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court had possession of an aggregate sum of N1,310,142,051.16 which sum you knew indirectly represented the proceeds of criminal conducts of Hadi Abubakar Sirika who was the minister of Aviation at the time (to wit use of office or position for gratification in respect of the said amount), and you thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 17(b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, and punishable under the same section.
“That you – Hadi Abubakar Sirika – while being the minister of Aviation and in such capacity as a public officer between April 2022 and March 2023 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court entrusted with certain property to wit, the sum of N1,326,731,470.97 committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property by being dishonestly connected with the illegal award of the Consultancy contract for the Nigerian Air Start-up and extension of same to and for the benefit of Tianaero Nigeria Limited whose alter ego Prof. Gabriel Tilmann, your Associate and you thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 315 of the Penal Code Act. Cap 532 Acts of the Federal Capital Territory and punishable under the same section.”
Justice Binta Fatima Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Hamatu Modu, a major food supplier for Boko Haram terrorists, to 40 years imprisonment for his involvement in terrorism activities.
Modu, who confessed in the open court to supplying food items and information to terrorists, was put on trial by the federal government through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
He was slammed with 4- count charges and instantly pleaded guilty to them.
The Director of the Public Prosecution of the Federation, DPPF, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, led the prosecution.
In his judgment, Justice Nyako sentenced him to 10 years on each of the count but due to the plea of the defense counsel, the judge ordered that the 40 years imprisonment should run concurrently, giving the convict opportunity to spend only 10 years.
In another development, Isah Ali, another food supplier also in Borno, was jailed 10 years by Justice Nyako.
His jail term will, however, start three years ago when he was arrested and clamped into detention.
The convict confessed to committing the offence as charged.
Justice Nyako ordered that the convicts be made to undergo rehabilitation and radicalization at the end of their service of the jail terms.
The Federal Ministry of Interior was ordered to determine where the two men will serve their jail terms.
The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Usman Ankwai has passed away in the late hours of Monday, 6 April 2026.
Ankwai, who represented Zuru Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), was elected Speaker at the inauguration of the 10th Assembly on June 8, 2023.
Details surrounding the circumstances of his death were not immediately disclosed at the time of filing this report.
His death has, however, triggered an outpouring of condolences from fellow lawmakers, political associates, and residents across Kebbi State, many of whom have described him as a dedicated public servant who contributed to legislative development in the state.
Further announcements regarding burial arrangements are expected to be made by his family soon.
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralized scores of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists during foiled attacks across several communities in Borno State.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, on Sunday.
The statement reads: “In sustained offensive operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) recorded significant successes, including the neutralisation of insurgents, arrest of suspects and disruption of logistics networks across the theatre of OPHK between 31 March and 4 April 2026.
“In a major operational breakthrough, troops of OPHK under Sector 2, deployed at Geidam, in conjunction with operatives of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), acting on credible intelligence, engaged terrorist logistics suppliers near Geidam.
“Following a fierce encounter, three terrorists were neutralised while a logistics-laden vehicle was disabled. Recovered items included food supplies, mobile phones and other materials intended for terrorist camps.
“Similarly, troops of OPHK successfully ambushed terrorists attempting to emplace Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the Konduga–Kawuri axis.
“The troops engaged the insurgents with decisive firepower, triggering an explosion that neutralised two terrorists.
“Weapons and ammunition were recovered during exploitation. In continuation of counter-IED operations, troops have discovered and safely detonated an IED planted along the Ngoshe–Pulka road, thereby preventing potential casualties and ensuring safe movement along the route.
“Troops also recorded notable successes in counter-terrorism operations in Adamawa State.
“In Mubi North Local Government Area, troops of OPHK under Sector 4, in conjunction with local hunters, conducted an offensive operation, leading to the arrest of three Boko Haram/ISWAP members.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that one of them had previously gathered intelligence on troops’ locations and activities.
“The terrorist further confessed to participating in a recent attack where they suffered heavy casualties. All the arrested persons are currently in custody for further investigation. In another development, troops of OPHK operating in Mainok market arrested three terrorist logistics suppliers and recovered livestock, mobile phones and cash, further weakening the supply chain supporting terrorist operations.
“Additionally, troops intercepted a vehicle conveying terrorist elements in Yobe State. Two of the occupants were identified with gunshot wounds linked to earlier engagements with troops.
“The BHT/ISWAP members, along with recovered communication devices, are in custody for further investigation. Further operations across the theatre led to the arrest of BHT/ISWAP informants and collaborators attempting to cross into neighbouring areas, as well as the apprehension of a foreign national at a checkpoint under suspicious circumstances.
“Meanwhile, troops of OPHK have maintained aggressive operations within the Area of Responsibility, effectively denying criminal elements freedom of action. All operations were conducted without incident, while troops’ morale and combat efficiency remain high.
“The Military High Command commends the troops for their resilience, vigilance and utmost professionalism, urging them to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations in the security and economic interest of the North East region,” Uba explained.
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