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May 23, 2024 EFCC Charges Former Aviation Minister Sirika and Brother with New 10-Count

EFCC Charges Former Aviation Minister Sirika and Brother with New 10-Count

On Thursday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, on a new 10-count charge. Sirika appeared before an Abuja High Court in Garki alongside his brother Ahmad and Enginos Nigeria Limited, a company involved in the alleged offenses.

The defendants were accused of involvement in an N19.4 billion airport contract scam. They pleaded not guilty to the charges read by Justice Suleiman Belgore.

Previously, Sirika, his daughter Fatima, and his son-in-law Jalal Sule Hamma were granted N100 million bail each by an Abuja High Court in Maitama for their alleged role in a fraudulent N2.7 billion Nigerian Air contract.

READ ALSO: Court Grants Sirika, Daughter, and Son-in-Law N100 Million Bail Each in N2.7 Billion Fraud Case

In the new charges, the EFCC alleged that Sirika abused his ministerial position to benefit Enginos Nigeria Limited, which is led by his brother Ahmad. Specifically, Sirika is accused of influencing the award of a N1.3 billion contract for constructing a terminal building at Katsina Airport to his brother's company.

Some of the charges read:

  • “That you, Hadi Sirika, while serving as the Minister of Aviation, on or about August 18, 2022, in Abuja, did use your position to confer an unfair advantage on Enginos Nigeria Limited, whose alter ego is your brother Ahmad Sirika, by influencing the award of a N1.345 billion contract for the construction of a terminal building at Katsina Airport. This act is contrary to section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and punishable under the same section.
  • “That you, Hadi Sirika, while serving as the Minister of Aviation, on or about November 3, 2022, in Abuja, did use your position to confer an unfair advantage on Enginos Nigeria Limited by influencing the award of a N3.811 billion contract for establishing a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre at Katsina Airport. This act is contrary to section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and punishable under the same section.
  • “That you, Hadi Sirika, while serving as the Minister of Aviation, on or about May 5, 2023, in Abuja, did use your position to confer an unfair advantage on Enginos Nigeria Limited by influencing the award of a N615.195 million contract for the procurement and installation of lifts, air conditioners, and power generators for Aviation House, Abuja. This act is contrary to section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and punishable under the same section.
  • “That you, Hadi Sirika, and Enginos Nigeria Limited, between August 2022 and May 2023 in Abuja, had possession of an aggregate sum of N2.337 billion, which you knew indirectly represented the proceeds of criminal activities by Ahmad Sirika, who was the Minister of Aviation at the time. This is contrary to Section 17 (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, and punishable under the same section.”
May 23, 2024 Truck and Bus Collision on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Leads to Traffic Jam

Truck and Bus Collision on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Leads to Traffic Jam

A multi-vehicle accident occurred on Thursday along the Berger-Kara section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The crash, which happened in the early hours, involved a luxury bus, a truck, and a small car.

Eyewitnesses reported that the truck collided with a bus, suspected to belong to a transport company, and a container-laden truck. Although it remains unclear if there were any fatalities, the collision caused a significant traffic jam as the involved vehicles blocked the road.

Travelers and passengers heading from Berger towards Mowe-Ibafo found themselves stuck in the gridlock for hours. Ayo Makinde, a presenter who was caught in the traffic, recounted his experience: "I was in traffic for about two hours before getting into the office this morning. A trip that usually takes 15 minutes took more than an hour. I'm wondering how far back the traffic is now."

Reports indicated that three individuals sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment. Emergency responders, including officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and police operatives, were present at the scene to manage the situation.

May 22, 2024 Police Officer Shot Dead In Plateau Market

Police Officer Shot Dead In Plateau Market

A tragic incident unfolded at the Terminus Market in Jos North Local Government Area, where a police officer attached to the enforcement team of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board was reportedly shot and killed on Wednesday morning. The market has been a focal point for security agents and task force officials, who have been working to clear the area of street trading in recent weeks.

Eyewitnesses at the market provided varying accounts of the events leading up to the shooting. Amina Mohammed, one of the traders present, described a scene of tension and confusion as enforcement officials attempted to uphold the state law banning street hawking. According to her, resistance from some traders escalated, prompting a Mobile Police Officer to discharge a firearm. Tragically, a stray bullet struck his colleague on duty, leading to panic among those present. Despite efforts to rush the victim to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.

Haruna, another witness, attributed the officer's death to hoodlums who had remained defiant despite enforcement efforts. He recounted hearing a gunshot as security agents sought to disperse traders displaying their wares on the roadside against task force directives. Sadly, the bullet found its mark on one of the policemen, who later passed away despite medical intervention.

Alabo Alfred, spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, confirmed awareness of the incident and stated that an investigation had been launched to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. As authorities delve into the matter, questions linger over the sequence of events and the factors contributing to the untimely loss of a dedicated law enforcement officer.

May 22, 2024 May 29: Tinubu Calls for Modest Celebration of First Anniversary

May 29: Tinubu Calls for Modest Celebration of First Anniversary

The Nigerian government plans to mark President Bola Tinubu's one year in office with a "low-key" official ceremony, as announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. This disclosure was made during a ministerial press briefing held at the Radio House in Abuja on Wednesday.

While it remains uncertain if the ceremony will occur on June 12, which is now recognized as Democracy Day, the change from May 29 to June 12 for Nigeria's Democracy Day commemorates the presidential election of June 12, 1993, annulled by the military government. Despite Moshood Abiola's victory in the polls, he was never formally declared the winner nor sworn into office by the military administration led by Ibrahim Babangida. Tinubu, a prominent supporter of Abiola, is believed to have played a significant role in the shift of Democracy Day to June 12.

Regarding the one-year anniversary plan, Minister Idris emphasized that the celebration would prioritize sectorial debates over traditional festivities. "The anniversary is going to be low-key, there would be no major ceremony but sectorial briefing by the ministers. The essence is to ensure that government funds are kept for the people," he explained. The debate will focus on eight key sectors, with ministers delegated to speak on various aspects.

Moreover, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, also affirmed that the celebration would maintain a low profile.

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