Court Hears Consultancy Contract for Nigeria Air Was Awarded on Minister’s Direct Instruction
By A1NEWS International / June 17, 2026
ABUJA, Nigeria – Fresh revelations emerged on Wednesday in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, as an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama that a consultancy contract linked to the controversial Nigeria Air project was allegedly awarded and later extended on the direct instruction of the former minister.
The testimony formed part of proceedings in the high-profile trial involving Sirika, his daughter Fatima Sirika, his son-in-law Hamma Jalal Sule, and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited over allegations bordering on abuse of office, procurement violations, and contract fraud amounting to approximately N2.8 billion.
EFCC Witness Details Nigeria Air Consultancy Contract
Testifying before Justice Sylvanus Oriji, EFCC investigator Christopher Odofin continued presenting evidence for the prosecution led by senior advocate Rotimi Jacobs (SAN).
According to Odofin, investigations uncovered that a consultancy contract for the establishment of Nigeria Air was awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited, a company allegedly associated with Gabriel Tilmann, whom investigators described as a close associate of the former aviation minister.
The witness informed the court that the contract was initially approved on April 4, 2022, at a value exceeding N299 million.
However, barely six months later, the consultancy arrangement was reportedly extended on October 17, 2022, increasing its value to more than N599 million.
Odofin told the court that investigators traced the circumstances surrounding the extension and concluded that the approval was granted based on Sirika’s directive due to his relationship with the company’s principal.
Phone Analysis Revealed Minister’s Alleged Instructions
In a significant aspect of the investigation, the EFCC witness disclosed that forensic analysis was conducted on the mobile phone of Enitan Muyiwa Abel, who served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Aviation during the period under review.
According to the witness, investigators discovered communications, including a voice note allegedly sent by Sirika while he was in Spain.
Odofin stated that the communication contained instructions concerning the processing and award of the consultancy contract.
“The investigation revealed that the Permanent Secretary was directed by the minister to ensure that the contract was awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited,” the witness told the court.
The investigator further alleged that the contract did not pass through the statutory procurement process required under Nigerian law, particularly review by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
Instead, he claimed, the approval process was allegedly driven by directives emanating directly from the minister.
Questions Raised Over Procurement Compliance
The testimony has reignited questions surrounding procurement procedures associated with the Nigeria Air project, which has remained one of the most controversial initiatives of the previous administration.
According to the EFCC witness, investigators traced payments connected to the consultancy contract through accounts maintained by Tianaero Nigeria Limited with Access Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank.
Odofin also revealed that records obtained from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) showed that Tianaero Nigeria Limited was incorporated on March 29, 2021, less than a year before it secured the consultancy contract.
Anti-corruption analysts observing the case note that the timing of the company’s incorporation and the subsequent award of a substantial government contract could become a major point of legal scrutiny as proceedings continue.
Voice Recording Tendered as Evidence
During Wednesday’s hearing, the prosecution tendered several documentary exhibits relating to the contract awards and payment processes.
Among the exhibits admitted by the court was a compact disc containing an audio recording allegedly featuring Sirika’s voice. The recording was admitted and marked as Exhibit 37.
The prosecution subsequently sought permission to play the recording in open court as part of its evidence.
However, technical difficulties prevented the audio file from playing during the proceedings.
Following the development, Justice Oriji adjourned the matter until July 8, 2026, for the audio recording to be played and for the continuation of hearing.
Background to the Charges
The former aviation minister is standing trial alongside his daughter, Fatima Sirika, son-in-law Hamma Jalal Sule, and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited on a six-count charge filed by the EFCC.
The anti-graft agency alleges that Sirika used his office to confer unfair advantage on Al Buraq Global Investment Limited by influencing the award of a contract for the apron extension project at Katsina Airport valued at N1.498 billion.
According to the prosecution, the actions allegedly violated provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004, and relevant sections of the Penal Code applicable in the Federal Capital Territory.
The defendants have denied all allegations and entered pleas of not guilty.
Trial Continues Amid Public Interest
The case continues to attract significant public attention due to Sirika’s central role in the Nigeria Air initiative, a project that generated intense national debate over transparency, procurement compliance, and value for money.
With the prosecution now relying on forensic evidence, financial records, and electronic communications to support its claims, the forthcoming hearing is expected to focus heavily on the contents of the audio recording tendered as Exhibit 37.
Legal observers say the court’s assessment of the evidence could prove critical in determining whether the prosecution can substantiate allegations that government contracts were awarded outside established procurement procedures.
As the trial progresses, the EFCC is seeking to establish a pattern of abuse of office and procurement irregularities surrounding contracts awarded during Sirika’s tenure as aviation minister. The defence, however, maintains that the allegations are unfounded and has pledged to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. The matter resumes on July 8, when the court is expected to hear the disputed audio recording and further testimony from investigators.
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