The scheduled arraignment of Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika; and his brother, Ahmad Sirika by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was stalled on Tuesday due to the absence of the defendants.
Recall that tha ex-Aviation Minister was arraigned before Justice Sylvanus Oriji, of the FCT High Court, sitting at Maitama on an alleged N4.135billion fraud.
He was arraigned alongside his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika, son-in-law, Jalal Sule Hamma and the company Al Daruq Investment Limited on a six-count charge bordering on contract fraud, corruption and gratification
However the EFCC was to re-arraign him on Tuesday before Justice Suleman Belgore of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on fresh charges but they were absent.
Counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Oluwaleke Atolagbe, informed the presiding judge, Justice Suleiman Belgore, that the ex-minister and his brother have also not been served with the charge in the case.
He, therefore, prayed for an adjournment, which was granted by the judge.
Justice Belgore subsequently fixed Thursday May 23, 2024 for arraignment.
The EFCC is prosecuting the former minister and his brother this time, on eight counts to the tune of ₦19.4bn.
The sum is said to be for several aviation ministry contracts from the former minister to Enginos Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger brother, Abubakar
