Proceedings continued at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, as Justice Sylvanus Oriji listened to a voice recording presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.
The anti-graft agency alleges that the recording captures Mr Sirika instructing the former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Enitan Abel, to prepare and award a consultancy contract to a company owned by his associate.
According to the recording played in court, the speaker directed that the necessary contract documents be prepared so the company could begin receiving payment for its services.
EFCC investigator Christopher Odofin, who appeared as the prosecution’s 12th witness, testified that the voice in the recording belonged to Mr Sirika. He further identified the company mentioned as Tanaero Nigeria Limited, which he alleged is owned by Gabriel Tilmann, a close associate of the former minister.
The disputed consultancy contract relates to the Nigeria Air project, the proposed national carrier unveiled shortly before the end of the previous administration but which never became operational.
Mr Sirika is standing trial alongside his daughter, Fatima Sirika, her husband, Jalal Hamma, and their company, Al Buraq Global Investment, over allegations of contract fraud involving about ₦2.8 billion. All the defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Although the defence did not dispute the identity of the voice in the recording, senior defence lawyers informed the court that they would reserve objections to the admissibility of the audio evidence until their final written addresses.
During the playback, the speaker praised Gabriel Tilmann’s aviation experience, describing him as a capable aviation professional with international expertise who had contributed to the establishment of several airlines. The recording also suggested that Tilmann enjoyed a close relationship with the ministry because of his friendship with the former minister.
The prosecution witness testified that ministry officials believed Tilmann’s influence stemmed from his relationship with Mr Sirika. Defence lawyers objected to that line of questioning, arguing it was speculative and could fuel media attention rather than assist the court. Justice Oriji advised the defence to address such concerns during cross-examination instead of interrupting the proceedings.
The voice recording also referred to plans to assign a relative of Mr Sirika to work alongside Tilmann during the consultancy to ensure the project was handled in line with local practices and to prevent excessive pricing. Mr Odofin told the court that the former minister later assigned his cousin, identified as Yasir, to assist Tilmann during the execution of the contract.
During cross-examination, defence counsel Kanu Agabi questioned the witness over procurement documents involving the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). Mr Odofin acknowledged that the documents did not indicate Mr Sirika induced the permanent secretary and confirmed that the BPP’s response did not specifically mention the former minister.
When asked why the former permanent secretary was not facing prosecution, the witness stated that the decision to file charges was not his responsibility.
Justice Oriji subsequently adjourned the case until Thursday for the continuation of hearing.
