“Even prophets went to prison”: Buhari’s minister Sirika consoles herself in court

A former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, on trial for an alleged N7.2 billion fraud, said he was ready to go to prison like the prophets.

Sirika, her daughter and three others were arraigned at the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Thursday on a six-count amended criminal charge before Justice Sylvanus Oriji.

On Thursday, a video of the former minister speaking in court with his lawyers appeared on X.

In the video, Sirika, dressed in cream-colored Babariga, can be heard saying: “Okay. Fatima, it’s okay,” as she comforts her daughter.

He continued: “Even prophets have gone (to prison). Those who were, have they not already finished theirs?…whatever Allah says”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has charged the former minister, his daughter, son-in-law and Al-Duraq Investment Limited with fraud in relation to the failed Nigerian Air project.

Meanwhile, the court granted each of the accused bail of N100 million with two sureties each.

Before the trial judge, Justice Sylvanus Orji accepted the bail application of the accused, who pleaded not guilty to all charges leveled against them after the application was read to them.

The prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, had informed the court of a charge amended by the EFCC dated May 7 and filed on May 8, which was not opposed by the accused’s counsel.

Sirika’s lead lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court of his client’s bail application dated May 6.

The other accused similarly filed their bail applications and pleaded with the court to be liberal in their bail conditions.

Jacobs, for his part, told the court that all the accused were on administrative bail and asked the court to grant them bail on the condition that they could appear for their trials.

In addition to the N100 million bail, Justice Osuji added that one of the sureties must own a property with valid title deeds of the same sum within the Federal Capital Territory.

The judge also held that the guarantors must file an affidavit of means while prohibiting the defendants from traveling outside the country without their permission.

He added that failure to comply with bail conditions would allow the defendants to remain in a correctional facility.