Abuja, Nigeria — June 10, 2026
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has told a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja how former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, allegedly used an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft to stage the unveiling of the proposed Nigeria Air project just days before the end of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
Testifying before Justice S.C. Oriji on Wednesday, EFCC investigator Christopher Odofin revealed that the aircraft showcased as Nigeria Air in May 2023 was allegedly rented from Ethiopian Airlines solely for a short-term display.
According to the prosecution witness, documents obtained during investigations showed that the aircraft departed Addis Ababa on May 26, 2023, arrived in Abuja on May 27, and remained in Nigeria for less than 72 hours before returning to Ethiopia on May 29, the same day a new administration assumed office.
Odofin informed the court that the aircraft was temporarily painted in Nigeria Air colours to create the impression that the national carrier had become operational. He added that after the unveiling ceremony, the Nigeria Air branding was reportedly removed before the aircraft was flown back to Ethiopia.
The EFCC further stated that Ethiopian Airlines personnel operated the aircraft throughout the exercise, while local models dressed in Nigeria Air uniforms were used for ceremonial photographs during the unveiling event.
Sirika is currently facing trial alongside his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika, his son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule, and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited over allegations bordering on abuse of office and the misappropriation of more than N2 billion in public funds.
The anti-graft agency also alleged that contracts connected to the Nigeria Air project were awarded under questionable circumstances. One of the contracts, initially valued at over N299 million and awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited in April 2022, was later increased to more than N599 million following an extension approved in October 2022.
Investigators claimed that evidence recovered from the mobile phone of a former permanent secretary in the ministry included a voice note allegedly sent by Sirika from Spain directing that the contract be awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited, a company reportedly linked to one of his associates.
The prosecution tendered several documents before the court, including a compact disc containing the alleged voice recording, which was admitted as evidence.
Justice Oriji adjourned the matter until June 17, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments in the high-profile case and provide updates as they emerge.
