Hadi Sirika, a former Aviation Minister, is facing trial for allegedly being involved in a N7.2bn fraud. He expressed his willingness to go to prison similar to the prophets.
At a Federal Capital Territory High Court, Sirika, his daughter, and three others were charged with a six-count amended criminal charge before Justice Sylvanus Oriji.
A video of the ex-minister talking in court with his lawyers was leaked on X.
In the footage, Sirika, dressed in cream Babariga, was heard consoling his daughter, saying, "It's okay. Fatima, it's okay," and noting that even prophets have gone to prison, indicating that things will unfold as Allah determines.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has accused the ex-minister, his daughter, son-in-law, and Al-Duraq Investment Limited of being involved in fraudulent activities related to the failed Nigerian Air project.
The court granted each of the defendants bail in the amount of N100m with two sureties each.
Prior to the trial judge, Justice Sylvanus Orji granting the bail request of the defendants, they pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against them.
The prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, informed the court about an amended charge by the EFCC dated May 7 and filed on May 8, which was not opposed by the defendants' counsel.
Sirika's lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court about his client's bail application dated May 6.
The other defendants also submitted their bail applications and urged the court to be lenient with the bail conditions.
On his part, Jacobs told the court that all the defendants were on administrative bail and requested the court to grant bail on the condition that would ensure their appearance for their trials.
Apart from the N100m bail, Justice Osuji added that one of the sureties must own a landed property with valid land titles in the same amount within the Federal Capital Territory.
The judge also stated that the sureties must affirm their financial capability, and restricted the defendants from leaving the country without permission.
He warned that failure to meet the bail conditions would result in the defendants being held in a correctional facility.
A former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, standing trial for an alleged N7.2bn fraud, said he was ready to go to prison just like the prophets. Sirika, his daughter, and three others were arraigned at a Federal Capital Territory High Court on Thursday on a six-count amended criminal charge before Justice Sylvanus Oriji. A video […]
