A key witness in the ongoing EFCC prosecution has alleged that former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika awarded lucrative contracts to a company linked to his daughter and son‑in‑law, bypassing open bidding and favouring family interests.
Retired Ministry of Aviation procurement director Musa Odiniyan testified that Al Buraq Global Investment Limited — operated by Sirika’s daughter Fatima and son‑in‑law Jalal Sule Hamma — was unqualified to win the N1.498 billion contract to extend the apron at Katsina Airport. Odiniyan said the company “may not have qualified” if a competitive tender process had been properly conducted .
According to Odiniyan, Sirika personally approved 100 percent payment of the contract sum and fast‑tracked its award in the final months of the Buhari administration to ensure inauguration before the President’s departure .
Under cross‑examination, Odiniyan confirmed that no letter of award would have been issued without the minister’s final approval, affirming Sirika’s direct involvement in sanctioning the deal .
Further testimony by a former procurement expert, Azubuike Okorie, indicated that by May 2023, Al Buraq had not even begun work on the Katsina project — suggesting non‑execution despite full payment .
The EFCC alleges Sirika abused his position to benefit his family’s company. He and the co‑defendants face six counts including contract fraud, breach of trust, and gratification involving over N2.8 billion. The matter continues before the FCT High Court, with further cross‑examination scheduled.
