Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, currently embroiled in a ₦7.2 billion fraud case, has drawn parallels between his potential imprisonment and the journeys of prophets, expressing his readiness to face the consequences.
Amid accusations from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) linking him, his daughter, son-in-law, and Al-Duraq Investment Limited to fraudulent activities related to the Nigerian Air project, Sirika addressed the court with resolve.
In a Hausa statement captured in a video, Sirika was seen comforting his daughter, stating, “It’s okay. Fatima, it’s okay. Even prophets have gone (to prison). Those that went, haven’t they finished theirs already?…whatever Allah says,” as reported by Vanguard.
The court, meanwhile, granted bail to each defendant in the sum of ₦100 million with stringent conditions, including the provision of two sureties with landed properties in Abuja, deposition to an affidavit of means, and a travel ban without court permission.
Justice Orij warned of remanding the defendants in prison custody if bail conditions were not met.
The EFCC’s charges against Sirika and co-defendants allege various instances of undue advantage conferred on entities, including the awarding of consultancy contracts and influencing contract awards, violating anti-corruption statutes.
