Sirika imposed German friend on ministry for Air Nigeria contract – EFCC witness

An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness has advised an Abuja High Court that former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika allegedly pressured ministry officers to just accept his German friend for a contract linked to the proposed Air Nigeria undertaking.

Christopher Odofin, the twelfth prosecution witness, made the declare through the ongoing trial of Sirika over an alleged N2.8 billion aviation contract fraud.

The EFCC additionally charged Sirika’s daughter, Fatima, his son-in-legislation, Hamma Jalal Sule, and an organization, Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, in reference to the case.

During cross-examination by Sirika’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi, SAN, Odofin was requested whether or not the German man, described as resourceful and energetic, was certified to deal with the contract.

In response, the witness stated, “The man was imposed by the first defendant on the ministry.”

Agabi additionally questioned why the German was not investigated through the EFCC’s inquiry.

Explaining the state of affairs, Odofin stated, “The German man was not in Nigeria during the investigation. We made efforts to reach him but it yielded no result”.

Following the trade, Agabi advised the court docket that a few of the witness’s solutions have been stunning and requested permission to proceed the cross-examination on Thursday.

The prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, didn’t oppose the request.

Justice Sylvanus Oriji subsequently adjourned the case till Thursday for the continuation of Odofin’s cross-examination.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Odofin had earlier testified on June 17 {that a} contract initially awarded to TNL for greater than N299 million on April 4, 2022, was prolonged on October 17, 2022, on Sirika’s directions.

According to the witness, the extension elevated the contract’s complete worth to greater than N599 million.

He alleged that the choice violated due course of.