Sirika’s Daughter Owns Firm Linked To N1.4bn Aviation Contract, Bank Tells Court

Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika’s daughter, Fatima, and her husband, Jalal Hamma, own Al-Buraq Global Investment Ltd, Mishelia Arhyel, a Zenith Bank compliance officer who testified in the Federal Capital Territory High Court after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged the company with aviation fraud, revealed this.

Arhyel served as EFCC’s second witness in the fraud-related charges against Sirika, his daughter Fatima, his son-in-law Jalal Hamma, and Al-Buraq Global Investment Ltd. The defendants were arraigned before Justice Sylvanus Oriji.

The EFCC accused Sirika of using his position to benefit Tianaero Nigeria Limited and Al-Buraq Global Investment Ltd; companies allegedly linked to his associate, daughter, and son-in-law. The former minister allegedly influenced the award of contracts for the Nigerian Air project and the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport to these companies. The EFCC claimed N1.4 billion was approved for Al-Buraq for the Apron Extension contract.

The defendants were charged with breach of trust and misuse of public office involving over N2 billion, violating the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act and the Penal Code Act. They have pleaded not guilty, leading to the commencement of the trial.

Under examination by EFCC lead counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), Arhyel described his role as a compliance officer, which includes handling correspondence from law enforcement agencies and responding to inquiries on behalf of Zenith Bank. He confirmed that in February 2023, the bank received a letter from the EFCC requesting account statements for Al-Buraq, Jalal Hamma, and Fatima Sirika. These bank statements were admitted in evidence without opposition from the defence.

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Arhyel testified that Al-Buraq was registered on June 17, 2021, with directors including Jalal Hamma, Fatima Sirika, and Shinade Saratu.

He stated, “Persons in significant control of the company are Hamal Jalal and Sirika Fatima Hadi,” adding that the signatories were Saratu Muhammad, Fatima Sirika, and Jalal Hamma.

Earlier, Azubuike Okorie, a former Special Assistant to Sirika on Projects (2022-2023), testified that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had frustrated the execution of the Katsina Airport extension contract. Under cross-examination by defence counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), Okorie claimed the contract process was transparent and did not involve bias towards Sirika’s family.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the EFCC had previously arrested Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, Hadi Sirika’s brother, over alleged contract fraud in the aviation ministry.

Sirika served as Aviation minister from August 22, 2019, to May 29, 2023. He faced allegations of conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, contract inflation, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering totalling N8,069,176,864. The disputed funds relate to four aviation contracts awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger brother.

The trial has been adjourned to June 20, 2024.