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.
The Kaduna State Police Command has revealed the identity of the man who caused panic after charging towards President Bola Tinubu during his visit to the state.
According to the police, the suspect has been identified as Umar Mohammed, a resident of Anguwan Muazu in Kaduna.
The incident happened during the commissioning of a 300-bed specialist hospital in Millennium City.
As President Tinubu was addressing the audience, Mohammed suddenly broke through the crowd and rushed toward him, triggering a swift response from security operatives.
The moment left Tinubu visibly shocked, as seen in a widely shared video showing his startled reaction and the confusion among his security team.
Police later disclosed that the man has a mental health condition he has lived with since birth.
They described his actions as unplanned and driven by excitement, adding that he was unarmed and posed no real threat after being restrained.
Despite the scare, the event continued as planned.
Governor Uba Sani led the inauguration of the hospital, which is expected to boost healthcare access in Kaduna.
Crime
BREAKING: Village Head Killed, Others Abducted in Suspected Herdsmen Attack on Tiv Community in Nasarawa
Suspected herdsmen have launched a deadly attack late Sunday night on Tse Yange, a Tiv-dominated community in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The attackers reportedly killed the village head and abducted several residents during the raid.
It was gathered that the gunemn stormed the agrarian community on motorbikes in the night, unleashing terror and destruction.
An eyewitness revealed that the assault lasted into the early hours of Monday, leaving many people injured and several homes deserted.
As of the time of this report, the exact number of those abducted and injured remains unclear.
An unconfirmed number of people have been reported killed, with many others injured, following a deadly overnight attack by suspected herdsmen on Mtsewnem, Akondutyough village in the North Bank area of Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
According to reports, the assailants stormed the community around 3:00 a.m., attacking residents in their sleep.
Reacting to the incident, humanitarian worker and human rights advocate, Ukan Kurugh, described the attack as “deeply disturbing.”
He said, “At 3:00 a.m. today, I received a heartbreaking distress call, accompanied by chilling video footage and photographs of yet another suspected herdsmen attack.
“This time, the horror unfolded in North Bank, less than a 40-minute drive from Makurdi town.
“These brazen attackers continue to strike with impunity, undeterred by the presence of state and federal authorities. They have defied the President, the Governor, and our entire security apparatus.
“To the wounded and to the families who lost loved ones, my heart grieves with you. Your pain is our pain. We will not turn away.
We will not be silent. We are wide awake and we will continue to speak, to mourn, and to demand action.”
Meanwhile, efforts to reach the Benue State Police Command PRO, Edet Udeme were not successful as of the time of this report.
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