Investigator Tells Abuja Court Nigeria Air Launch Was Stage-Managed as EFCC Intensifies Case Against Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika
By A1NEWS International
ABUJA, Nigeria — June 11, 2026
Fresh revelations emerged on Wednesday in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Abubakar Sirika, as an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigator told a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja how an aircraft belonging to Ethiopian Airlines was allegedly used in a staged presentation to depict the launch of Nigeria Air.
The testimony, delivered before Justice S. C. Oriji, forms part of the prosecution’s case in an amended six-count charge involving alleged abuse of office, conspiracy, and misappropriation of public funds estimated at over ₦2 billion.
Sirika is standing trial alongside his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika; his son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule; and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited. All defendants have pleaded not guilty.
EFCC Alleges “Staged National Carrier Launch”
According to the EFCC, the controversial Nigeria Air project was not an operational airline launch but a carefully timed display involving a chartered Ethiopian Airlines aircraft temporarily rebranded with Nigeria Air insignia.
Investigators told the court that the aircraft was flown into Abuja on May 27, 2023—just days before the end of the Buhari administration—and remained on the tarmac for a limited “static display” before being returned to Addis Ababa on May 29, 2023.
The agency described the event as a “decoy presentation” designed to create the impression that the national carrier had been successfully launched.
“Static Display” Arrangement Detailed in Court
Testifying as the 12th prosecution witness, an EFCC investigator read from contractual documents between Nigerian officials and Ethiopian Airlines.
The agreement reportedly outlined that:
- The aircraft would depart Addis Ababa on May 26, 2023
- It would arrive in Abuja on May 27 for display purposes
- It would remain on the tarmac until May 28 for branding and photo sessions
- It would depart Nigeria on May 29, 2023
- The flight would be operated entirely by Ethiopian Airlines crew in their official uniforms
The witness further disclosed that the arrangement included provisions for “ceremonial participation,” including Nigerian models dressed in Nigeria Air uniforms for staged photographs.
According to the EFCC, the timing of the display coincided with the final days of the former minister’s tenure, allegedly to project a completed aviation legacy project.
Aircraft Allegedly Returned After Branding Removed
Court documents further indicated that after the brief Abuja appearance, the Nigeria Air branding was removed and the aircraft returned to Ethiopian Airlines in Addis Ababa.
Investigators told the court that correspondence obtained from Ethiopian Airlines confirmed a short-term charter arrangement executed days before the display, allegedly on May 24, 2023.
₦2bn Contract Irregularities Alleged
Beyond the aircraft controversy, the EFCC is also prosecuting Sirika over alleged irregularities in contract awards linked to the Nigeria Air project.
The commission alleges that contracts worth over ₦299 million and a subsequent extension exceeding ₦599 million were awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited.
Prosecutors further allege that the contracts were awarded under questionable circumstances linked to personal relationships and administrative influence within the ministry.
The EFCC also tendered communications allegedly recovered from the phone of a former Permanent Secretary in the ministry, which investigators claim contained directives tied to the contract approvals.
Voice Note Evidence Set for Playback
Among the exhibits presented is a compact disc containing a recorded voice note allegedly attributed to Sirika, marked Exhibit 37.
Prosecution counsel informed the court of plans to play the audio at the next hearing as part of its evidential presentation.
All documents tendered by the prosecution were admitted without objection from defence counsel, according to the EFCC.
Defence Yet to Respond to Latest Allegations
Sirika and his co-defendants have consistently denied all allegations, maintaining that the Nigeria Air initiative was conceived in line with public-private partnership guidelines and regulatory frameworks.
Their legal teams are expected to respond in detail as the trial progresses.
Court Adjourns Proceedings
Justice S. C. Oriji adjourned the matter until June 17, 2026, for continuation of trial and further examination of prosecution witnesses.
Legal analysts say the case is increasingly centering on documentary evidence, digital records, and contractual communications, which may prove decisive in determining the outcome of the trial.
The testimony presented in court has added a new dimension to the ₦2 billion Nigeria Air controversy, raising fresh questions about the execution, timing, and presentation of one of Nigeria’s most ambitious aviation projects.
As proceedings continue, attention remains fixed on how the court will interpret the growing body of documentary and electronic evidence surrounding the disputed national carrier initiative.
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