The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Thursday banned immediate past Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika, his daughter Fatima and son-in-law Jalal Hammah from traveling abroad.
Judge Sylvanas Orji ruled that he cannot leave the country until the conclusion of his N2.7 billion fraud trial.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday investigated six counts of fraud amounting to close to N2.7 billion.
They were arraigned along with Al Burak Investment Company.
The anti-corruption authority alleged that Sirika abused his power by awarding a N1.3 billion consultancy contract for the start-up of Nigeria Airways to Tianello Nigeria Limited.
The commission said that in his actions the former minister acted in contravention of section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act 2000.
In a separate complaint, the anti-corruption agency alleges that on or about August 18, 2022, in Abuja, Sirika “used his position to infiltrate Al Burak Global Investment Limited (its alter ego Fatima Hadi Sirika and Jalal Sule Hamma).'' , are your daughter and son-in-law respectively, by using your position to influence the acquisition of the Katsina Airport Apron Extension Contract to them in the amount of N1.498,300,750.00. ”
Anti-corruption authorities said Mr Sirica's actions violated section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act 2000 and could be punished under that section.
In Count 3, the EFCC charges Sirika with criminal breach of trust “on or about August 18, 2022, while in his capacity as Minister of Aviation and public servant in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honorable court.” did.
However, the defendants pleaded not guilty when the indictment was read.
Following a bail application by defense attorney Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), the defendants were granted bail in the sum of 100m each with two sureties of the same amount.
The judge said one of the sureties must own land with a valid land title within the Federal Capital Territory.
The judge also barred the defendant from traveling outside the country without permission, while holding that the surety must submit an affidavit of means.
Justice Orji added that if the bail conditions are not met, the defendant will be admitted to a correctional facility.
He said, “I grant bail for the first, second, and third defendants in the total amount of 100 million yen each with two sureties of the same amount.
“One of the guarantors must own land in the Federal Capital Territory. The defendant must not travel outside the country.
“Those who cannot meet bail conditions will be remanded to a correctional center.”
The trial was then set for June 10th, 11th, and 20th.
