By Hagxy Don
In a dramatic turn of events, a key government official has fingered former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, in a N19.4 billion contract fraud trial that has gripped national attention.
At the resumed hearing on Monday before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Mr. Isaiah Yesufu, a Director at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), dropped a bombshell as he testified that the agency was never informed of a controversial contract split involving the construction of the Katsina Airport terminal—a project awarded to Enginos Nigeria Limited, a company reportedly owned by Sirika’s brother, Ahmad Sirika.
Yesufu's revelation appears to support the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s case against the former minister, who stands accused of abusing his office by facilitating multiple shady contracts in direct violation of Nigeria's procurement laws. Among the questionable deals was a N1.3 billion terminal construction and a separate N3.8 billion contract for a fire truck maintenance facility—both handed to Enginos Nigeria Ltd without proper approval processes.
Sirika, alongside his co-defendants, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Yet, with a senior procurement official now testifying that due process was bypassed and the BPP kept in the dark, the legal storm surrounding the ex-minister continues to intensify.
The case, which many see as a litmus test for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anti-corruption stance, has raised broader questions about nepotism and lack of transparency in public office.
Justice Suleiman Belgore has adjourned the case to April 8 for further proceedings as the prosecution continues to build its case.
This trial not only casts a long shadow over Sirika’s legacy but also underscores the need for stricter enforcement of procurement laws and accountability mechanisms across federal ministries.