Court Grants Bail To Sirika And Brother In ₦19.4 Billion Fraud Case

Court Grants Bail To Sirika And Brother In ₦19.4 Billion Fraud Case....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and his brother, Ahmad Abubakar Sirika, have been granted bail by Justice Suleiman Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory High Court. The bail, set at ₦100 million each, comes with stringent conditions reflecting the seriousness of the charges against them.

The court stipulated that both defendants must provide two sureties, with one owning a landed property within the Federal Capital Territory valued at a similar sum. Additionally, the court has restricted their travel, barring them from leaving Nigeria without prior permission.

Justice Belgore’s decision follows careful consideration of the bail application, finding no reason to deviate from the conditions previously granted by another judge of the same court.

The Sirika brothers, along with their company, Enginos Nigeria Limited, face a ten-count amended charge related to contract fraud amounting to ₦19.4 billion. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that Hadi Sirika conferred undue advantage on his brother and his company, with contracts left undone and no evidence of work completed.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their lawyers appealed to the court for bail, highlighting their clients’ compliance with administrative bail conditions and their responsibility as Nigerian citizens.

While the EFCC did not object to the bail application, they emphasized the need for conditions that ensure the defendants’ availability during trial. The court, while considering the application, emphasized its independence in determining bail conditions.

The trial is scheduled to commence on May 28 and 29.