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
JUST IN: FBI Releases Video of Charlie Kirk Shooter, Recovers Weapons Nearby (Photos)

The FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office on Friday released video footage of the man suspected of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk fleeing a rooftop after the incident on September 10, 2025.
The bureau, in a statement accompanied by the video link shared on X on Friday, noted that the video shows the shooter climbing onto a rooftop shortly before the attack and then jumping off and fleeing the scene after firing the fatal shots.
Investigators also reportedly found the weapon and ammunition used in the shooting in a wooded area near the university.
The agency wrote, “The FBI has released a video and more photos of the shooter in the Utah Valley shooting. The subject is seen jumping from the rooftop of a building after the shooting.


“Around 12 pm Mountain Time on September 10, 2025, the subject climbed up to a rooftop; after he shot and killed Charlie Kirk, he jumped off and ran away. He left a gun and ammunition in a wooded area near the university.
“Trace evidence collected from the rooftop scene included shoe impressions, a forearm imprint, and a palm print. Anyone with information in this case should call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit fbi.gov/utahvalleyshooting.”


The bureau added that it is working closely with law enforcement partners to seek justice in the murder of Charlie Kirk.
Credit: X| FBISaltLakeCity
Crime
Ghana Court Jails Three Nigerians 96 years for Car Thefts
All three convicts : Francis Friday, Linus Agwazie, and Russell Ekenze, are currently serving their sentences at the Kumasi Central Prison.

Three Nigerians – Francis Friday, Linus Agwazie, and Russell Ekenze, have been sentenced to a combined jail term of 96 years for their involvement in car theft within the Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana.
Ohibaba.com learned that a statement signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police, Godwin Ahianyo, and obtained on Tuesday, said that the Atasemanso Circuit Court sitting in Ghana delivered the sentence.
This is coming amidst a recent protest by Ghanaians over the involvement of Nigerians in alleged criminal activities.
According to Ahianyo, the trio were arrested on June 20 following suspicions that they were involved in targeting and stealing parked vehicles.
The trio were subsequently arraigned before the circuit court on July 22, but only Ekenze pleaded guilty to the charges pressed against him.
Ahianyo stated, “On July 22, 2025, the suspects Francis Friday, Linus Agwazie, and Russell Ekenze were arraigned before the Atasemanso Circuit Court.“
During proceedings, Russell Ekenze pleaded guilty to the charges and was immediately convicted and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment in hard labour. The other two suspects, Francis Friday and Linus Agwazie, pleaded not guilty.
“Subsequently, on July 23, 2025, the cases of Francis Friday and Linus Agwazie were heard at Circuit Court 3, where both were found guilty and each was sentenced to 8 years’ imprisonment on two counts, with the sentences to run concurrently.
”He added that the three suspects were further arraigned on additional charges in another court and were each sentenced to 20 years.
“On the same day, Circuit Court 1 also heard additional charges against all three suspects, resulting in 20-year IHL sentences each, also on two counts, and to run concurrently.“
Finally, on July 24, 2025, Russell Ekenze was further convicted at Circuit Court 2, receiving an additional 10-year IHL sentence on two counts, to run concurrently with his existing sentence.
“All three convicts, Francis Friday, Linus Agwazie, and Russell Ekenze, are currently serving their sentences at the Kumasi Central Prison,” the statement read.
Crime
Bayelsa Viral Assault: Court Orders 21-Day Remand for Three Female Suspects

Three young women linked to a disturbing assault captured in a viral video have been remanded at the Okaka Correctional Centre in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State. The suspects — identified as Kadi Blessing, Becky, and Miracle — appeared before a Magistrate Court on Tuesday, where they were formally arraigned on multiple serious charges.
The case, which has sparked widespread outrage on social media and across the country, involves allegations of a violent physical attack that was recorded and circulated online, drawing the attention of both the public and law enforcement authorities.
During the court proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) requested additional time to allow investigators to conduct further inquiries into the incident. Granting the request, the presiding magistrate ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody for an initial period of 21 days at the Okaka Correctional Centre.
The three women are currently facing a slew of charges, including assault, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, attempted murder, and other related offenses. Legal experts suggest that the gravity of the allegations could potentially lead to a transfer of the case to a higher court, depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, human rights advocates and child protection groups have called for a thorough and speedy investigation to ensure justice is served, not just for the victim but as a deterrent against similar acts of violence.
Bayelsa State Police Command has assured the public of its commitment to ensuring that all parties involved in the incident are held accountable in accordance with the law.
The court is expected to reconvene after the 21-day remand period to review the findings of the investigation and determine the next phase of legal proceedings.
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