The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday, arraigned a former Minister of Aviation, in the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, Hadi Sirika, his daughter, Fatima; Jalal Sule Hamma and Al-Duraq Investment Ltd, for abuse of office to the tune of N2.7billion.
Sirika was docked on a 6-count amended criminal charge before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama.
Before plea taking, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, informed the court of an amended charge by the EFCC dated May 7, and filed on May 8, which was not opposed by counsel to the defendants.
After the charge was read and the defendants had pleaded not guilty, Jacobs urged the court for expeditious hearing of the case.
At this juncture, Kanu Agabi SAN, counsel for Sirika (1st defendant) informed the court of his client’s bail application dated May 6.
All the defendants moved their bail applications, and asked the court to be liberal in the bail conditions.
Interjecting, Jacobs told the Court that all the defendants are on administrative bail and urged the court to grant bail on the condition that will make them appear for their trials.
Meanwhile, ruling on the bail application, Justice Oriji granted bail to each of the defendants in the sum of 100m with two sureties each.
The court held that the sureties must own landed property within the FCT with valid land titles.
Also, the sureties must depose to an affidavit of means.
The court also restricted the defendants from from traveling abroad without it’s permission.
Justice Oriji ordered that the defendants should be remanded in prison custody if they fail to meet up with the bail conditions.
Trial has been fixed for 10, 11 and 20 June.
•INDEPENDENTNG.