How Sirika Used Ethiopian Plane To Stage Nigeria Air Launch – Witness
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
A prosecution witness in the alleged N2 billion Nigeria Air fraud trial has told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika allegedly used an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft disguised in Nigeria Air livery to create the impression that the national carrier had commenced operations.
The witness, Christopher Odofin, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), made the allegation on Wednesday while testifying before Justice Sylvanus Oriji.
Sirika is being prosecuted by the EFCC alongside his daughter, Fatima Sirika, his son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule, and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited on a six-count amended charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of more than N2 billion in public funds.
According to Odofin, documents obtained during investigations showed that the aircraft was chartered from Ethiopian Airlines and flown into Abuja on May 27, 2023, for a static display bearing the Nigeria Air branding, just three days before the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Odofin said the aircraft remained on the tarmac at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport until May 29, 2023, after which the Nigeria Air branding was removed and the plane returned to Addis Ababa.
Reading from a charter agreement tendered before the court, the witness said Ethiopian Airlines agreed to provide the aircraft and crew for the display, while local models were to be dressed in Nigeria Air uniforms for ceremonial photographs.
He told the court that investigators concluded the display was deliberately timed to coincide with the end of Sirika’s tenure and portray the launch of Nigeria Air as a fulfilled government promise.
The witness also alleged that the contract for the establishment of Nigeria Air was awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited, a company linked to Gabriel Tilmann, described as a close associate of the former minister.
According to him, the contract, initially valued at over N299 million, was later increased to more than N599 million following directives allegedly issued by Sirika.
He further told the court that an analysis of the phone of a former permanent secretary in the ministry revealed a voice note purportedly sent by Sirika from Spain instructing that the contract be awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited.
Justice Oriji admitted several documents tendered by the prosecution into evidence, including a compact disc said to contain a voice note from Sirika. The matter was adjourned until June 17 for continuation of trial.
