An Abuja High Court heard testimony from Isaiah Yesufu, a witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Director of Compliance in the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP), concerning the trial of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika. Sirika faces charges of abuse of office, criminal breach of trust, and using his position for gratification, together with his brother Ahmad and two companies allegedly owned by the brother. The EFCC alleges that Sirika awarded contracts to his brother’s firms worth approximately N19.4 billion.
Yesufu explained that it is the permanent secretary’s duty to ensure that project execution complies with the Procurement Act and noted that the minister is not a member of the Ministerial Tenders Board (MTB). He also testified that he had no confirmation that Sirika approved the board’s decisions or issued any letters regarding the contract awards. During cross‑examination by Sirika’s counsel, Kanu Agabi, the witness admitted that he had made a statement to the EFCC without mentioning Sirika’s name.
The EFCC claims Sirika used his position to influence several contracts, including a N1.345 billion award for a terminal building at Katsina Airport and a N3.8 billion contract for a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre at the same airport. All defendants have pleaded not guilty.
The trial is ongoing, with the next hearing set for 10 December, as ordered by Justice Suleiman Belgore at the request of the second defendant’s counsel, Ufut Okoya. The case underscores the importance of adhering to procurement regulations and the consequences of alleged abuse of power. As proceedings continue, monitoring the trial will be essential to gauge its impact on the aviation industry and the broader fight against corruption in Nigeria.
Comments are closed for this story.