The highly anticipated arraignment of former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, his brother Ahmad Sirika, and their company, Enginos Nigeria Limited, before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Garki, Abuja, on Monday, hit a snag due to the defendants’ absence.
The court session was halted after the defendants failed to appear, prompting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) lawyer, O.A. Atolagbe, to inform the court of the situation. Atolagbe stated that the defendants’ counsel had requested an adjournment as they were unable to attend court for various reasons, including being out of the city and not having been served with the charge.
Apologizing to the court for his clients’ absence, the defendants’ counsel, Olaniyi Anjorin, expressed regret over the matter.
Consequently, Justice Suleiman Belgore adjourned the arraignment to May 23 to allow for the defendants’ presence.
The charges against Sirika, his brother, and their company involve an alleged fraud totaling N19.4 billion related to several aviation ministry contracts. The EFCC accuses Sirika of abusing his position to favor his brother’s company, Enginos Nigeria Limited, in the awarding of contracts.
Among the allegations, Sirika is said to have awarded contracts for various projects, including the construction of a Terminal Building at Katsina Airport and the establishment of a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre, to Enginos Nigeria Limited, owned by his brother, Ahmad. Additionally, Sirika is accused of awarding contracts for the procurement and installation of equipment for the Aviation House in Abuja to his brother and the company.
These charges are in addition to previous allegations against Ahmad and Enginos Nigeria Limited, which involve substantial sums allegedly obtained through criminal conduct.
The delay in the arraignment marks another twist in the ongoing legal battle involving the former minister and his associates, further highlighting the complexity and seriousness of the allegations.
