Crime
JUST IN: Hadi Sirika, Daughter Pleads not guilty to contract scam, Court grants Bail

The case involving former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, his daughter Fatima, and two others, regarding an alleged contract fraud of N2.7 billion, is a significant development. Here’s a summary:

- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought charges against Hadi Sirika, his daughter Fatima, his son-in-law Jalal Hamma, and Al-Duraq Global Investment Limited at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
- They have all pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
- Among the charges, it’s alleged that Sirika conferred unfair advantage by illegally awarding consultancy contracts to Tianaero Nigeria Limited for the startup of Air Nigeria and its extension. It’s claimed that Prof. Gabriel Tillman, an associate of Sirika, is the alter ego of Tianaero Nigeria Limited.

- Tianaero Nigeria Limited received N1.3 billion for its consultancy services for Air Nigeria.
- The charge sheet also includes allegations that Sirika awarded a contract for the construction of the apron of the Katsina Airport to Al-Duraq Global Investment Limited, which is owned by his daughter and son-in-law. This contract is valued at approximately N1.4 billion.

This case brings to light accusations of corruption and nepotism in the awarding of contracts, particularly in the aviation sector. It’s a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government dealings. The trial will likely be closely watched to see how it unfolds and what implications it may have.
Meanwhile,
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja has granted bail to former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika and two others in the sum of N100 million each. Here’s a summary:
- Hadi Sirika, along with his daughter Fatima Hadi Sirika and his son-in-law Jalal Hamma, were arraigned for contract fraud amounting to N2.7 billion. They denied the six-count charge leveled against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

- The trial judge, Sylvanus Oriji, granted bail to the accused persons, with each required to provide two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must own a duly certified landed property in the FCT.
- Failure to meet the conditions for bail will result in remand in the Correctional Centre.

- Among the charges against Hadi Sirika is conferring unfair advantage by illegally awarding a consultancy contract to Tianaero Nigeria Limited for the startup of Air Nigeria. It’s alleged that Prof. Gabriel Tillman, an associate of Sirika, is the alter ego of Tianaero Nigeria Limited. Tianaero received N1.3 billion for its services.
- Additionally, Sirika is accused of influencing the award of a contract to Al-Duraq Global Investment Limited, owned by his daughter and son-in-law, for the Apron Extension at the Katsina Airport. The contract is valued at N1.48 billion.
The trial has been adjourned till the 10th, 11th, and 20th for further proceedings. This case highlights the alleged involvement of high-ranking officials in corruption and underscores the need for accountability and transparency in government operations.
Crime
One Killed, Houses Burnt as Suspected Herders Storm Taraba

Violence erupted in some farming communities in Karim Lamido Local Government Area in Taraba State, leaving one person dead and 100 houses burnt to the ground following an attack by suspected herders.
The incident has sparked fear and unrest in the local community.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attack began in the early hours of the morning, with armed individuals believed to be herders descending upon the village.
Residents reported that the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, leading to the death of one person while several other villagers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.
While confirming the latest attacks, the youth leader of the community, Ishaya Peter, described the attacks as unprovoked and also condemned it.
He said residents were discussing when the attackers stormed the community and opened fire, killing at least one person and razing several buildings in the process.
In addition to the loss of life, the attackers set fire to multiple houses, leaving families displaced and without shelter. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but early reports indicate significant property loss.
The motive for the attack is currently under investigation, but it is believed to be linked to ongoing tensions between herder and farming communities in the region over land and resources.
Security forces have been deployed to the area to restore order and investigate the incident. However, residents are expressing concern about the lack of adequate security and the slow response time of authorities.
The incident underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the herder-farmer conflict and highlights the importance of proactive measures to prevent further violence and protect vulnerable communities.
Crime
Pregnancy Dispute Turns Deadly: UNIPORT Student Burns Lover

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 300-level undergraduate of the University of Port Harcourt, identified as Cynthia Chukwundah, who allegedly set her lover on fire in a private residence in Choba in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
Recall that the incident occurred on Sunday during a heated argument between the two lovebirds before the girl resorted to such action.
It was later gathered that the scuffle revolves around the pregnancy of the girl, even as her lover, a 32-year+old Sunny Amadi, died from injuries he sustained from the fire.
Spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday and sent to the media.
Iringe-Koko also said the girl, who also suffered some burns from the inferno, is receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital under the watch of the police, saying the command has launched an investigation into the incident.
The statement reads, “The Rivers State Police Command is aware of and deeply concerned about a circulating social media report depicting a fire incident that occurred at No. 11B Okoro Street, Choba, Port Harcourt.
“According to the report, one Cynthia Chukwundah, a 300-level female undergraduate student of the University of Port Harcourt, allegedly set her boyfriend, one Saint Sunny Amadi, a 32-year-old male from the Elibrada Community in Emohua LGA, ablaze in a room, resulting in severe injuries during the inferno.
“He was rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) for medical treatment.
Upon receiving the report at about 1112 hours, Police detectives from the Choba Division promptly visited the scene and the victim at the hospital, who was in critical condition.
Unfortunately, the victim later succumbed to injuries and died while on admission.
”She added, “The Police have located Cynthia, who is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital due to injuries she also sustained during the incident.
She is also heavily pregnant with the deceased’s child.“
Due to her critical condition, she is unable to provide a detailed account of the incident, but will do so when her condition is stable.“
The probable cause of the fire incident is yet to be ascertained, and a thorough investigation has been launched to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
The State Police image maker said the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, urges the public to remain calm, peaceful, assuring that justice would be served in this tragic incident.
Crime
Police Nab 8, Rescue Kidnap Victims, Uncover Arms Cache

……As IGP Reaffirms Commitment To Intelligence-Led Policing.
The Nigeria Police has again recorded significant successes in the fight against cultism, violent crimes, gunrunning, and kidnapping across Delta, Katsina, Adamawa and Edo states.
This comes in a series of coordinated intelligence-led operations in Edo State, on 26th June 2025.
Two individuals; Godday Irieude and Wisdom Emeka were abducted from their farm in Ewatto area at about 1:00 AM.
Police operatives in synergy with local vigilante groups, trailed the abductors to their hideout and launched a coordinated rescue operation.
The kidnappers upon sighting police operatives, engaged them in a fierce gun duel.
However, the superior fire power of the operative caused the kidnappers to flee with various degree of gun shot injuries, leading to the rescue of the kidnapped victims unhurt.
Similarly, Police operatives attached to the Delta State Command, acting on credible intelligence and a search warrant, stormed a residence in Mosogar area occupied by two suspected cultists; Koko Josh (29) and Asomugha Clinton (27).

A thorough search of their premises lead to the recovery of 1 fabricated Baretta pistol loaded with two rounds of live ammunition, two locally made guns, eight live cartridges, multiple mobile phones, a laptop and fetish items.

Follow-up investigation led to the arrest of two additional suspects; Anthony Kelvin (26) and Gift Amotsuka (25) all confirmed to be members of Aiye Confraternity.
In a separate operation executed in Okpanam area of Delta State, police operatives arrested two suspects; Ekene Chroma (36) and Okafor Jonathan (18) in possession of two English-made single-barrel guns and 110 live cartridges.

Preliminary investigations revealed their involvement in illegal arms dealing, acting as suppliers and couriers for wanted criminals.
In a separate operation in Funtua, Katsina State, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) apprehended one Yunusa Ishaku (40) in possession of two stolen vehicles (a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Camry).
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to his role in a nationwide vehicle theft ring targeting Abuja, Jos, and other cities, with stolen vehicles being conveyed to Niger Republic for resale.
He further revealed the locations of three additional stolen vehicles( Honda accord, Toyota carina II, Toyota camry 98) in Zamfara and Bauchi States. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend his accomplices and recover more stolen exhibits.
In another related development, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the FID-IRT arrested one Alhaji Iya Bima, a 52-year-old man from Kem Shithem LGA, Adamawa State in possession of One AK-47 rifle, Two magazines and Fifty rounds of live 7.62×39 mm ammunition.

Further interrogation led to the recovery of additional Ak-47 rifle, 3 magazines and 50 rounds of ammunition.

All suspects would be arraigned before the court of law upon completion of investigation
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, once again reaffirms the resolve of the Nigeria Police Force to intensify intelligence-driven policing, disrupt criminal syndicates causing unrest across the country.
The Force urges members of the public to remain vigilant, support police operations, and report suspicious activities via dedicated emergency lines or to the nearest police station.
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