Hadi Sirika, the former Aviation Minister, is scheduled to stand trial on Thursday before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Maitama on charges of abuse of authority and fraudulent contract awards during his tenure.

 

Sirika, who worked under previous President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, would face a six-count revised charge with three others: his daughter, Fatima; Jalal Hamma; and Al-Duraq Investment Ltd.

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is investigating Sirika for suspected contract misconduct and fraudulent actions while in government.

 

According to reports, the former minister was invited by the Abuja Zonal Command of the EFCC for questioning on April 23 and was thereafter arrested at the commission’s Formella Street, Wuse 2 zonal office.

 

“The former minister (Sirika) was invited for questioning by investigators handling the alleged contract frauds under his watch in the ministry. He honoured the invitation and has been detained as I am talking with you,” a source in the EFCC who pleaded anonymity told NAN.

 

The EFCC has been investigating the suspected contract frauds under Sirika’s supervision, and he had spoken with investigators before to his arrest.

 

The arraignment was originally planned for Tuesday, but it was delayed owing to the EFCC’s request to modify the charges.

 

Sirika and the other defendants are accused of misusing their positions and conspiring to defraud N2.7 billion.

 

The trial is intended to shed light on suspected fraudulent practices and contracts awarded during Sirika’s time as Aviation Minister.