Story highlights
A former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has been granted N100 million naira bail in fraud-related charges instituted against him and others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bail was also granted to his daughter, Fatima, and son-in-law, Jalal Hamma, in like sum but they would be remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Service if they fail to fulfil the conditions outlined by the court.
They were arraigned before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the FCT High Court over fraudulent practices associated with the Nigeria Air debacle.
Sirika served under former President Muhammadu Buhari as Minister of Aviation.
The amended charges were read in open court to Sirika and his daughter, Fatima, son in-law, Jalal Hamma, by the court’s registrar.
But they pleaded not guilty.
Al-Duraq Investment Ltd, as a company, is listed as co-defendant.
Part of the charge reads,
After the plea was taken, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), said he was interested in having the case heard expeditiously, adding “we are ready to get hearing date.”
Oyedepo also drew the court’s attention to the fact that the defendants were granted administrative bail by the EFCC but added they once failed to report to its office.
He urged the court to exercise his discretion in granting bail to the defendants but on stringent conditions that will ensure their attendance in court.
But Sirika’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms and self -recognizance.
He assured the court that his client will not jump bail.
Agabi said,
Agabi submitted that bail must be affordable because if the court imposes a fine that the defendant cannot pay, it becomes an illusion.
Agabi submitted that bail must be affordable because if the court imposes a fine that the defendant cannot pay, it becomes an illusion.
The legal team of the other defendants aligned with the submissions of Agabi, regarding bail.
Oyedepo suggested that sureties in the case should have landed property in Abuja and must be ordered to deposit a bond.
The judge said in the exercise of the powers of court, bail is granted to each of the defendants in the sum of N100 million each.
He said they must provide two sureties in FCT who must have properties in Abuja and must provide Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) as proof.
The judge held that the first and second defendants shall not travel out of the country without express permission of the court.
The judge also held that in the event the defendants cannot fulfill the bail terms, they should be remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Service.
“Matter adjourned to 10th,11th, 20th day of June for trial,” the judge said.