Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, along with his daughter Fatima, son-in-law Jalal Sule Hamma, and the firm Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, were arraigned before Justice Sylvanus Oriji at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.
The allegations brought against them by the Federal Government are for an alleged corrupt practice involving around N2.7 billion.
Sirika, his daughter, and son-in-law all pleaded not guilty to the six-count accusations levied against them.
Their legal representation then applied for bail, which was granted by Justice Oriji. The bail requirements required each defendant to produce N100 million and two sureties, one of whom must own landed property in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and have a verifiable home address.
Furthermore, the judge imposed strong travel restrictions, stating that the defendants may not leave the country without the court’s specific authorization.
If the defendants fail to meet the bail conditions, they will be held in prison until the criteria are met.
The court set the trial date for June 10th.
Sirika’s tenure as Aviation Minister under previous President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has been heavily scrutinized, with claims ranging from conspiracy to money laundering totaling more than N8 billion.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had previously arrested Sirika’s brother, Abubakar Sirika, for alleged contract fraud at the aviation ministry.
According to the EFCC’s charge sheet, Sirika allegedly used his ministerial position to improperly award contracts to family members and colleagues, an accusation strenuously challenged by the defendants.
The current judicial processes highlight the government’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring responsibility among its ranks, marking a watershed point in Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign.