Sirika’s trial: Witness tells court how Ethiopian Airlines plane was allegedly presented as ‘Nigeria Air’
Trial Adjourned as Witness Testifies on Nigeria Air Project
A prosecution witness in the trial of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika testified Wednesday in the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft was allegedly used for the public display of the proposed Nigeria Air project in May 2023.
Christopher Odofin, the twelfth prosecution witness, provided his account during the ongoing proceedings presided over by Justice S.C. Oriji. Sirika faces charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which include allegations of abusing his office and misappropriating over ₦2 billion in public funds.
Alongside Sirika, the trial includes his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika; son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule; and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited.
Odofin reported that investigations revealed the aircraft, featuring Nigeria Air branding, arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on May 27, 2023, just three days before the conclusion of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. He stated that the aircraft was briefly displayed in Abuja before departing for Addis Ababa on May 29, 2023.
Reading from evidence submitted to the court, Odofin explained that the aircraft was chartered from Ethiopian Airlines specifically for the display associated with the Nigeria Air branding, which was scheduled to remain at the airport until May 28, 2023.
“The aircraft will stay in Abuja Airport for static display of Nigeria Air livery until May 28, 2023. The aircraft will leave Abuja airport early morning on May 29, 2023,” he cited from the documents.
The witness also indicated that personnel from Ethiopian Airlines operated the aircraft, and the display was intentionally timed to coincide with the end of Sirika’s term as Minister of Aviation. Investigators found that the charter arrangement with the airline was finalized on May 24, 2023, shortly before the administration transitioned.
After the display, he noted, the Nigeria Air branding was removed, and the aircraft returned to Ethiopia.
Documents obtained from Ethiopian Airlines were reviewed by investigators following a formal request from the EFCC regarding the Nigeria Air project. All evidence submitted by the prosecution was accepted without objection from the defense.
Notably, a compact disc containing a voice recording attributed to Sirika was among the admitted exhibits. The prosecution indicated that this recording would be played during the next hearing. The court proceedings have been adjourned to a later date.
