By Akinwale Kasali
Hadi Sirika, former Aviation Minister, has pleaded not guilty to the corruption charges leveled against him by anti graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, at the High Court at the Federal Capital Territory. The suspects are accused of alleged fraud to the tune of N4.135 Billion.
Sirika was arraigned before Justice Sylvanus Oriji along with his daughter, Fatima, his son-in-law, Jalal Sule Hamma, and a firm – Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, but was each granted bail to the tune of of ₦100 million with two sureties.
The daughter and son-in-law also pleaded not guilty to the six-count charges when read to them.
The sureties, according to the Court, must have landed properties in Abuja and also responsible citizens.
Also, the sureties must depose to an affidavit of means. The court also restricted the defendants from travelling abroad without its permission.
Justice Orji ordered that the defendants be remanded in prison custody if they failed to meet their bail conditions.
The court fixed June 10 and 11 for the resumption of the trial of the defendants.
