In the trial concerning alleged N2.7 billion contract fraud involving Hadi Sirika, his daughter Fatima, his son-in-law Jalal Hamma, and Al-Buraq Investment Limited, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its first witness on Monday.
Led by EFCC lead counsel Rotimi Jacobs, the witness, former director of Procurement at the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Azubuike Okorie, testified before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court Abuja. Okorie informed the court that the N1.4 billion Apron Extension contract at Katsina Airport had not been executed as of his departure from civil service in May 2023.
Okorie, who served as Special Assistant to the Minister for Projects between 2022-2023 and chaired the Project Implementation Committee, stated that their responsibilities included monitoring and evaluating projects. Al-Buraq was one of the companies awarded the project at Kastina Airport, but during a visit to the site, neither Al-Buraq nor other contractors were present.
The witness explained that before a contract could be awarded, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) would have secured the land where the project was to be executed through a certificate of occupancy. However, due to a conflict between the Nigerian Air Force and FAAN, the land could not be secured, preventing contractors from commencing work.
Regarding payments, Okorie clarified that he was only aware of the 30% mobilization fee paid to Al-Buraq and could not confirm if a full payment had been made to the company. He emphasized that as the Chairman of the Project Implementation Committee, he was not involved in payment processes.
Upon completion of his testimony, the defendants’ counsel, led by Kanu Agabi, requested an adjournment until the following day for cross-examination, citing the need to review the documents relied upon by the EFCC during the witness’s testimony.
Consequently, the court adjourned the trial until Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Hadi Sirika, his daughter, and son-in-law are facing a six-count amended criminal charge of contract fraud amounting to N2.7 billion, with allegations of using Sirika’s position to confer undue advantage on his family members and their company.
