A compliance officer from Zenith Bank Plc, Mishelia Arhyel, has told the Federal Capital Territory High Court Abuja that former Minister of Aviation,
A compliance officer from Zenith Bank Plc, Mishelia Arhyel, has told the Federal Capital Territory High Court Abuja that former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika’s daughter, Fatima, and son-in-law, Jalal Hamma, owned Al-Buraq Global Investment Ltd, a company the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC indicted in an aviation fraud suit.
Arhyel testified as EFCC’s second witness in the fraud-related charges instituted against Hadi Sirika and his daughter, Fatima, son-in-law, Jalal Hamma, and Al-Buraq Investment Ltd. The defendants had been arraigned before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the FCT High Court.
The EFCC had indicted Hadi Sirika, in an alleged contract fraud involving his daughter and son-in-law as well as fraudulent practices associated with the Nigeria Air debacle. Sirika was accused of allegedly using his position to unfairly benefit Tianaero Nigeria Limited and Al Buraq Global Investment Ltd; companies allegedly associated with his associate, daughter, and son-in-law.
He was said to have influenced the award of contracts for the Nigerian Air project and the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport to these companies. The EFCC alleges that N1.4 billion was approved to Al-Buraq for the Apron Extension contract at Katsina Airport.
The defendants are accused of breach of trust and misuse of public office to the tune of over N2 billion naira in contravention of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act and the Penal Code Act. But they all pleaded not guilty to the charges paving the way for the commencement of trial.
