BPP Official Testifies: “We Were Unaware Of Contract Split” In Sirika’s N19.4 Billion Fraud Case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Mr. Sirika, his brother Ahmad, and two companies with abuse of office and contract fraud.

The contract in question was for the construction of the terminal building at Katsina Airport.

Mr. Yesufu, a prosecution witness, stated in his evidence during the trial of the former minister that the BPP was not aware of the split in the contract.

The defendants are being prosecuted on a 10-count charge before Justice Suleiman Belgore, which includes abuse of office, criminal breach of trust, and use of position for gratification.

The anti-graft commission alleged that the former minister awarded various contracts to his younger brother, amounting to about N19.4 billion.

The EFCC alleged that Mr. Sirika conferred an unfair advantage upon Enginos Nigeria Limited, whose alter ego is his biological brother Ahmad, by using his position to influence the award of a contract for the construction of the terminal building at Katsina Airport, totaling N1,345,586,500.

It further alleged that the former minister used his position to influence the award of a contract for the establishment of a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre at Katsina Airport for the sum of N3,811,497,685.

Additionally, it was alleged that Ahmad and Enginos Nigeria Limited had possession of an aggregate sum of N2,337,840,674.16, which they knew indirectly represented the proceeds of the former minister’s criminal conduct.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Testifying, Mr. Yesufu told the court that a bidder for any contract must submit an affidavit stating that the company does not have any relationship with the procuring entity.

“If there is a relationship, this shall amount to a conflict of interest and should be disclosed.

“The affected officer of either the procuring entity or the BPP will recuse himself from participating in the process (of award of contract),” Mr. Yesufu told the court.

He said that in the case of the award of a contract for the construction of a terminal building for the Katsina airport, the Ministry of Aviation sought approval to adopt a restricted tendering method due to time constraints.

He added that approval was granted in favor of five companies, including Enginos Nigeria Limited.

Mr. Yesufu further told the court that after the approval was granted, the ministry completed the procurement process and awarded two contracts: one in favor of Enginos, and the second in favor of Al-Buraq, according to him.

“The Bureau was not aware how a single contract, titled ‘Construction of Katsina Airport Terminal Building and Apron,’ was eventually awarded as two separate contracts.”

“I became aware of the split of the contract when I was invited by the EFCC, where I made the statement,” he said.

NAIJAONPOINT told the court that Enginos Nigeria Limited was awarded the contract to construct the Katsina airport terminal building at a cost of N1,345,586,500.

At this point, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), prayed for an adjournment to enable him to sort out some documents, to which the other parties did not object.