EFCC Prosecutes Hadi Sirika Over Nigeria Air Contracts

Hadi Sirika, the former Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly violating due process in awarding contracts to Tianaero Nigeria Limited for the establishment of Nigeria Air. The EFCC has amended six counts against him, including abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds amounting to N2 billion.

The first contract was awarded on April 4, 2022, and a second contract followed on April 6, 2022. Sirika reportedly failed to notify the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) as required.

Testimonies revealed that Tianaero Nigeria Limited, owned by Gabriel Tilmann, a close associate of Sirika, received full payment for the contracts despite lacking necessary approvals. The EFCC's investigation includes video evidence of Sirika giving verbal instructions to ensure the contract award.

The trial is adjourned until July 8-9, 2026, by Justice Oriji due to procedural issues.