From Premium Times Nigeria · Falmata Daniel · · 3m
EFCC witness answers questions on work histories of ex-minister Sirika’s daughter, son-in-law
EFCC witness says ex-minister Sirika’s daughter and son-in-law have clean work records despite corruption charges.
In brief
EFCC witness says ex-minister Sirika’s daughter and son-in-law have clean work records despite corruption charges. EFCC witness states former aviation minister Sirika’s daughter and son-in-law maintained clean employment records at federal oil companies during contract corruption trial. Originally reported by Premium…
EFCC witness testifies
EFCC witness Christopher Odofin testified about employment records of Fatima Sirika and her husband Jalal Hamma during court proceedings.
Defendants in corruption trial
Fatima Sirika and Jalal Hamma are co-defendants in a trial over alleged corrupt aviation contracts worth N1.5 billion.
Employment at federal oil firms
Fatima works at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited while her husband works at Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
Witness on clean records
EFCC witness Christopher Odofin stated he was unaware of any pending complaints against Fatima or Jalal Hamma at their workplaces.
Defense strategy
Defense lawyers sought to prove the couple maintained clean employment records to show they were not affiliated with the Ministry of Aviation.
Contract corruption charges
EFCC accused Sirika of using his position as aviation minister from 2015 to 2023 to award a N1.5 billion airport contract to Al Buraq Global Investment Limited.
Al Buraq's role
Al Buraq Global Investment Limited is the fourth defendant in the trial and linked to Sirika’s daughter and son-in-law.
N1.3 billion alleged proceeds
The EFCC alleged N1.3 billion in proceeds of criminal conduct from the contract were traced to Sirika.
Section 12 of ICPC Act
The charges against Fatima and Jalal Hamma relate to section 12 of the ICPC Act, which prohibits public officers from holding private interests in contracts.
Witness on employment status
Christopher Odofin stated NNPC employees are paid by the Federal Government of Nigeria despite NNPC being a commercial limited liability company.
NUPRC status
Christopher Odofin confirmed NUPRC is not under the Ministry of Aviation and did not award the contract to Al Buraq.
Contract splitting
Sirika allegedly split the airport contract into two parts to bypass regulatory oversight and favor family-linked companies.
Contract award details
Sirika awarded terminal building to Enginos, a company belonging to his brother Hamad Sirika, and apron expansion to Al Buraq Global Investment Limited.
Contract legality
The witness stated he was unaware of the Ministry of Aviation withdrawing the old contract and re-awarding it to Al Buraq on March 17, 2025.
Case adjournment
The court adjourned the case until October 28, 2026 after Al Buraq’s lawyer requested time to review previous questions.
What to remember
EFCC witness states former aviation minister Sirika’s daughter and son-in-law maintained clean employment records at federal oil companies during contract corruption trial.
