The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a fresh eight-count charge against Hadi Sirika, former minister of aviation, as regards an alleged contract fraud.
The former minister will appear before S.B. Belgore, a judge of a federal capital territory (FCT) high court in Abuja, on Tuesday to be charged alongside his brother, Ahmad Abubakar, and Enginos Nigeria Limited, a business controlled by Abubakar.
It is stated that by giving contracts to Enginos Nigeria Limited, Sirika misused his position of authority.
Sirika is currently on trial for six counts that relate to the same conduct. On May 9, he was charged with a N2.7 billion contract scam along with his daughter Fatima, son-in-law Jalal Hamma, and Al-Duraq Investment Limited.
All the defendants pleaded not guilty and were also granted bail in the sum of N100 million each.
Sirika was the aviation minister in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023.
The anti-graft agency began investigating the alleged contract fraud against Sirika while he was still in office.
He also reportedly met with investigators at the time.
The EFCC had reportedly detained Sirika on April 23, pending his arraignment.
The case, which is before Sylvanus Oriji, a judge of an FCT high court, has been adjourned to June 10, 11, and 20 for trial.
