An investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that the aircraft unveiled as Nigeria Air in May 2023 was chartered from Ethiopian Airlines for a brief display before being returned to Addis Ababa.
The testimony was given by Christopher Odofin, the 12th prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, before Justice Sylvanus Oriji.
Sirika is standing trial alongside his daughter, Fatima Sirika, his son-in-law, Hamma Sule, and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited on a six-count amended charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and the misappropriation of more than N2 billion.
While presenting evidence, Odofin read from documents obtained from Ethiopian Airlines during the commission’s investigation into the Nigeria Air project. According to him, the aircraft displayed in Abuja as Nigeria Air was brought into the country under a charter arrangement designed solely for a short-term public unveiling.
The witness told the court that the aircraft departed Addis Ababa on May 26, 2023, arrived in Abuja on May 27, and remained on the ground for a static display bearing Nigeria Air livery before departing on May 29, the final day of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the charter agreement tendered before the court, the aircraft was operated by Ethiopian Airlines crew members wearing the airline’s uniforms, while arrangements were made for local models to appear in Nigeria Air uniforms for ceremonial photographs.
Odofin testified that investigators established that the aircraft remained in Nigeria for less than 72 hours before the Nigeria Air branding was removed and the aircraft returned to Ethiopian Airlines.
He further informed the court that the charter agreement was executed on May 24, 2023, just days before the end of the administration, despite the project being presented as a major milestone in the establishment of a national carrier.
The witness said the EFCC obtained the relevant documents from Ethiopian Airlines through correspondence dated June 12, 2023, in response to requests made during the investigation.
Odofin also testified on the award of a consultancy contract linked to the Nigeria Air project, alleging that investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that a consultancy agreement awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited was influenced by directives from the former minister.
As part of its evidence, the prosecution tendered several documents and electronic exhibits, including a compact disc said to contain a voice note allegedly linked to Sirika. The exhibits were admitted by the court without objection from defence counsel.
The prosecution subsequently applied for the audio recording to be played during the next sitting as part of its case.
Justice Oriji adjourned proceedings for the continuation of trial and further presentation of evidence.
