Zenith Bank’s Compliance Officer has confirmed the ownership of Al-Buraq Global Investment Ltd by Hadi Sirika’s daughter and son-in-law.
EFCC has alleged a N1.4 billion aviation contract fraud involving Sirika, daughter, son-in-law, and associated company.
Former minister’s family members have been implicated in contract awards and the trial was adjourned to June 20, 2024.
However , a compliance officer from Zenith Bank Plc, Mishelia Arhyel, had told the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja on Tuesday that former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika’s daughter, Fatima, and son-in-law, Jalal Hamma, owned Al-Buraq Global Investment Ltd, a company the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ,EFCC, indicted in an aviation fraud suit.
Arhyel testified as EFCC’s second witness in the fraud-related charges instituted against Hadi Sirika and his daughter, Fatima, son-in-law, Jalal Hamma, and Al-Buraq Investment Ltd.
The defendants had been arraigned before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the FCT High Court.
The EFCC had indicted Hadi Sirika, in an alleged contract fraud involving his daughter and son-in-law as well as fraudulent practices associated with the Nigeria Air debacle.
Sirika was accused of allegedly using his position to unfairly benefit Tianaero Nigeria Limited and Al Buraq Global Investment Ltd; companies allegedly associated with his associate, daughter, and son-in-law.
He was said to have influenced the award of contracts for the Nigerian Air project and the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport to these companies.
The EFCC alleges that N1.4 billion was approved to Al-Buraq for the Apron Extension contract at Katsina Airport.
The defendants are accused of breach of trust and misuse of public office to the tune of over N2 billion in contravention of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act and the Penal Code Act.
But they all pleaded not guilty to the charges paving the way for the commencement of trial.
Led in evidence by EFCC lead counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), Arhyel, said his role as a compliance officer involves receiving correspondence from law enforcement agencies on behalf of Zenith Bank and forwarding the same to appropriate authorities as well as responding to inquiries.
He confirmed that sometime in February 2023, the bank received a letter from EFCC making inquiries regarding accounts statements on Al-Buraq, Jalal Hama and Fatima.
The prosecution counsel then tendered the bank statements of the defendants and it was admitted by the court unopposed by the defense legal team.
