By Edith Nwapi
Mr Christopher Odofin, an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness, told an Abuja High Court that former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika allegedly imposed his German friend on the ministry for award of contract for Air Nigeria.
Odofin is the 12th Prosecution Witness (PW 12), in the ongoing trial of the former minister who is charged with N2.8 billion aviation contract fraud.
The EFCC also charged Sirika’s daughter, Fatima and son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule and a company, Al Buraq Global Investment Limited.
During cross examination by Sirika ‘s counsel, Mr Kanu Agabi, SAN, the witness told the court that Sirika imposed his German friend on the ministry officials.
When asked if a man described as resourceful and energetic was not fit for the contract, Odofin said, ” the man was imposed by the first defendant on the ministry.”
Answering why the German was not investigated, Odofin said:”the German man was not in Nigeria during the investigation. We made efforts to reach him but it yeilded no result”.
Agabi, at this point, told the court that some of the witness’ answers were surprising and he should be allowed to continue his cross examination on Thursday.
The Prosecution Counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs, SAN did not object to the application.
Justice Sylvanus Oriji then adjourned until Thursday for continuation of cross examination of PW12.
NAN reports that on June 17, Odofin had told the court that the contract originally awarded to TNL for over N299 million on April 4, 2022 was later extended on Oct. 17, 2022 on Sirika’s instructions.
The extension, the witness alleged pushed the total contract above N599 million, adding that the action constituted a violation of due process. (NAN)
