Sirika imposed German friend on ministry for Air Nigeria contract – EFCC witness

An Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee (EFCC) witness has advised an Abuja Prime Courtroom that former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika allegedly pressured ministry officers to just accept his German pal for a freelance connected to the proposed Air Nigeria undertaking.

Christopher Odofin, the twelfth prosecution witness, made the declare all through the continued trial of Sirika over an alleged N2.8 billion aviation contract fraud.

The EFCC additionally charged Sirika’s daughter, Fatima, his son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule, and an organization, Al Buraq World Funding Restricted, in reference to the case.

All over cross-examination by way of Sirika’s attorney, Kanu Agabi, SAN, Odofin used to be requested whether or not the German guy, described as resourceful and vigorous, used to be certified to deal with the contract.

In reaction, the witness stated, “The person used to be imposed by way of the primary defendant at the ministry.”

Agabi additionally puzzled why the German used to be now not investigated all through the EFCC’s inquiry.

Explaining the location, Odofin stated, “The German guy used to be now not in Nigeria all through the investigation. We made efforts to achieve him nevertheless it yielded no outcome”.

Following the trade, Agabi advised the courtroom that one of the most witness’s solutions have been unexpected and asked permission to proceed the cross-examination on Thursday.

The prosecution recommend, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, didn’t oppose the request.

Justice Sylvanus Oriji due to this fact adjourned the case till Thursday for the continuation of Odofin’s cross-examination.

The Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Odofin had previous testified on June 17 {that a} contract first of all awarded to TNL for greater than N299 million on April 4, 2022, used to be prolonged on October 17, 2022, on Sirika’s directions.

In keeping with the witness, the extension greater the contract’s overall worth to greater than N599 million.

He alleged that the verdict violated due procedure.