EFCC PRESENTS FIRST WITNESS IN SIRIKA’S ALLEGED FRAUD TRIAL

June 10, 2024June 10, 2024

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Azubuike Okorie, a former director of procurement at the Federal Ministry of Aviation, testified before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that the contractor was paid a mobilization fee, but the N1.4 billion Apron Extension Contract at Katsina Airport was never carried out.

In a case involving former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, his daughter, son-in-law, and Al-Buraq Investment Ltd., he appeared on Monday as an EFCC subpoenaed witness about the purported N1.4 billion Apron Extension Contract at Katsina Airport.

When Okorie departed the public service in May 2023, the contract was still in effect, he continued.

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Additionally, he informed the court that the contested entity had received 30% of the mobilization cost; however, he was unable to verify full payment.

In order to review the EFCC’s evidence during cross-examination, the defendant’s attorney asked for a postponement of the trial.

The EFCC charged Sirika with contract fraud, claiming that he gave contracts for the Nigerian Air project and the Katsina Airport Apron Extension to entities connected to his family.

Justice Sylvanus Oriji postponed the case till June 11 for continuation.