Sirika Trial: Nigeria Air Aircraft Chartered From Ethiopian Airlines for 3-Day Display – EFCC Witness

Sirika Trial: Nigeria Air Aircraft Chartered From Ethiopian Airlines for 3-Day Display – EFCC Witness

An investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that the aircraft unveiled as Nigeria Air in May 2023 was not owned by the proposed national carrier but was instead chartered from Ethiopian Airlines for a brief three-day promotional display.

The witness, Christopher Odofin, the 12th prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, gave the testimony on Wednesday before Justice Sylvanus Oriji.

The EFCC is prosecuting Sirika on a six-count amended charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of over ₦2 billion connected to the Nigeria Air project. Also listed as defendants are his daughter, Fatima Sirika; his son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule; and their company, Al Buraq Global Investment Limited.

Odofin told the court that investigators obtained documents from Ethiopian Airlines showing that the aircraft used for the Nigeria Air unveiling was strictly provided for a short-term static display in Abuja.

According to the agreement read in court, the aircraft departed Addis Ababa on May 26, 2023, arrived in Abuja on May 27, remained for display until May 28, and departed Nigeria again on May 29, 2023. He quoted portions of the agreement, noting that the aircraft was positioned in Abuja for a temporary branding exercise and later returned to Ethiopia after the display period.

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The EFCC witness further explained that the arrangement included Ethiopian Airlines crew operating the flight in their uniforms, while Nigerian organisers were permitted to stage a ceremonial presentation using models dressed in Nigeria Air branding uniforms. He added that the deal was signed on May 24, 2023, just days before the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration on May 29, 2023.

Odofin also told the court that investigators believe the timing of the Nigeria Air unveiling was deliberately arranged to coincide with the end of Sirika’s tenure as Aviation Minister. He stated that the aircraft remained in Abuja for less than 72 hours before the Nigeria Air livery was removed and the plane was returned to Addis Ababa.

The EFCC said it obtained supporting documents from Ethiopian Airlines through a formal request dated June 12, 2023, as part of its investigation into the controversial national carrier project.

The prosecution also tendered multiple exhibits, including documents and a compact disc allegedly containing a voice note linked to Sirika. The exhibits were admitted without objection from the defence team, while the prosecution applied for the voice recording to be played at the next hearing.

The case was adjourned for continuation before Justice Oriji, as the court proceeds with hearing further testimony in the ongoing trial over alleged financial misconduct linked to the Nigeria Air project.