EFCC Uncovers Nigeria Air Display Plot By Ex Minister
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has told a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja how former Aviation Minister, Hadi Abubakar Sirika, allegedly used a rented Ethiopian Airlines aircraft to stage a short public display of the Nigeria Air project.
The case is part of an ongoing trial over alleged fraud involving more than N2 billion.
The EFCC said the aircraft, which belonged to Ethiopian Airlines, was temporarily repainted with Nigeria Air branding and flown into Abuja for what investigators described as a planned unveiling.
The plane reportedly stayed in Nigeria for less than three days before returning to Addis Ababa after the display.
Investigators told the court that the arrangement was timed to coincide with the final days of Sirika’s tenure as minister.
They also claimed that contracts worth hundreds of millions of naira were awarded under the Nigeria Air project, including payments to firms linked to individuals connected to the scheme.
The court admitted several documents as evidence, including contract records and an alleged voice note linked to Sirika.
The judge has adjourned the matter for continuation of hearing as the EFCC continues to present its case against Sirika, his daughter, son-in-law and a company involved in the project.
