Court grants Sirika, daughter N200m bail

A Federal Capital Territory High Court, on Thursday, admitted Hadi Sirika, former aviation minister, and others to bail in the sum of N100 million each.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Sirika alongside his daughter, Fatima,  before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, on Thursday.

Also arraigned were Jalal Hamma and Al-Duraq Investment Ltd, for alleged abuse of office to the tune of N2.7 billion.

According to the charge sheet, Sirika allegedly used his position as the Minister of Aviation to fraudulently award contracts to his daughter, son in-law and associates.

The anti-graft agency had slammed six counts charge against them.

While granting them bail, the court ruled that they must provide two sureties who must have landed properties in Abuja.

The court said the sureties, who should be responsible citizens, must depose to an affidavit of means.

It also restricted the defendants from traveling abroad without its permission.

The court ruled that in the event that they are unable to meet their bail conditions, they should be remanded in prison.

Daily Trust had reported how EFCC arrested Sirika in April, detaining him for days.

He was grilled over the botched Nigeria Air project, alleged conspiracy,  diversion of public funds  and contract inflation when he held sway at the aviation ministry.

Sirika, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, had also served as a member of the House of Representatives, and thereafter, as a senator representing Katsina North Senatorial District under the platform of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011.