By Joke Kujenya
FORMER Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has been granted bail in the sum of ₦100 million each to his daughter, and two others, who are facing trial over an alleged fraud amounting to ₦4.135 billion by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The court, presided over by Justice Oriji, mandated the accused to provide two sureties each, possessing landed properties within Abuja, and who are recognized as responsible citizens. These sureties are also required to depose to an affidavit of means.
Furthermore, the defendants have been prohibited from traveling abroad without prior permission from the court.
Justice Oriji emphasized that failure to meet the bail conditions would result in the defendants being remanded in prison custody. The trial is scheduled to commence on the 10th, 11th, and 20th of June.
In a similar development, Justice Sylvanus of a Federal Capital Territory High Court also granted bail to Hadi Sirika, his daughter Fatima, and others, each in the sum of ₦100 million.
They are required to produce two sureties as well.
The prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, presented an amended charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which was filed on May 8, to the court. After the defendants pleaded not guilty, Jacobs urged the court for a swift hearing of the case.
Defense counsel Kanu Agabi SAN, representing Sirika, requested bail for his client, emphasizing the need for leniency in the bail conditions. Jacobs, however, pointed out that all the defendants were on administrative bail and urged the court to set conditions ensuring their appearance for trial.
Justice Oriji, in his ruling, granted bail to each defendant in the sum of ₦100 million with two sureties each, stipulating that the sureties must own landed property within the FCT with valid land titles.
Additionally, the defendants are required to depose to an affidavit of means and are barred from international travel without court permission.
The case, brought forth by the EFCC, alleges fraud and abuse of office against the former minister and others, with a six-count amended charge totaling ₦4.135 billion.
The accused persons, including Sirika, his daughter, and son-in-law, Jalal Sule Hamma, along with Al-Duraq Investment Limited, have all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
