Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika pleads not guilty to contract scam

Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, his daughter Fatima and two others have pleaded not guilty to the allegation of committing contract fraud amounting to N2.7billion a case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

The former Aviation Minister, his daughter, one Jalal Hamma his son-in-law, and Al-Duraq Global Investment Limited, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them.

Among the charges against Sirika is conferring unfair advantage with respect to the alleged illegal award of consultancy contract to Tianaero Nigeria Limited for the start up of Air Nigeria and the extension of same. The alter ego of the firm Prof. Gabriel Tillman, is said to be an associate of the former Minister.

Tianaero got the sum of N1.3billion for its consultancy service for the start up of Air Nigeria.

Also included in the charge sheet is the allegation that the former Aviation Minister awarded the contract for the construction of the apron of the Katsina Airport to Al-Duraq Global Investment Limited owned by his daughter and son in-law. The contract is worth about N1.4billion.