BY Bolanle Olabimtan
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a fresh eight-count charge against Hadi Sirika, former minister of aviation, over an alleged contract fraud.
The former minister will be arraigned alongside his brother, Ahmad Abubakar, and Enginos Nigeria Limited, a company owned by Abubakar, before S.B. Belgore, a judge of a federal capital territory (FCT) high court in Abuja, on Tuesday.
Sirika is alleged to have abused his office by awarding contracts to Enginos Nigeria Limited.
Already, Sirika is standing trial on a six-count charge bordering on the same offences.
He was arraigned on May 9 alongside Fatima, his daughter; his son-in-law, Jalal Hamma; and Al-Duraq Investment Limited, over an alleged N2.7 billion contract fraud.
All the defendants pleaded not guilty and were also granted bail in the sum of N100 million each.
Sirika was the aviation minister in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023.
The anti-graft agency began investigating the alleged contract fraud against Sirika while he was still in office.
He also reportedly met with investigators at the time.
The EFCC had reportedly detained Sirika on April 23, pending his arraignment.
The case, which is before Sylvanus Oriji, a judge of an FCT high court, has been adjourned to June 10, 11, and 20 for trial.
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