Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, entered a plea of not guilty to the N2.7 billion corruption charges brought against him by the Federal Government. Sirika, along with his daughter, Fatima, his son-in-law, Jalal Sule Hamma, and a firm – Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, were arraigned before Justice Sylvanus Oriji at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, May 9.
Both Sirika’s daughter and son-in-law also pleaded not guilty to the six-count charges presented to them. Subsequently, their respective legal representatives applied for bail on their behalf, which was granted by the judge.
Justice Oriji granted bail to the three defendants at ₦100 million each, along with two sureties each who must also provide the same amount. The sureties must be reputable individuals with verifiable residential addresses, and one of them must possess landed property with a certificate of occupancy signed by the FCT Minister.
Additionally, the judge stipulated that the defendants must not leave the country without the court’s express permission. In the event of failure to meet the bail conditions, Justice Oriji ordered that they be remanded in prison custody until the bail conditions are met.
The court scheduled the commencement of the trial for June 10th.
