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Alleged N2.7bn contract fraud: Ex-BPP Director testifies against Sirika
The witness, Musa Odiniya, who was a former director, of procurement the Bureau Public Procurement (BPP), made this known while testifying in the alleged N2.7 billion contract fraud against a former Aviation minister, Hadi Sirika.
The EFCC dragged Sirika alongside his daughter, Fatima; Jalal Sule Hamma and Al-Duraq Investment Nigeria Limited, for abuse of office and contract fraud.
They are standing trial before Justice Sylvanus Oriji on a six counts.
The minister who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari was accused of abusing his office as minister through the award of contracts to a company in which his daughter and her husband had interest.
The offences allegedly committed by the former minister and others, according to the prosecution, were contrary to Sections 12 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, to Section 17 (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.
Led in evidence by Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, EFCC counsel, the witness said every firm bidding for contract must submit an affidavit.
” The reason being that no contract should be awarded to a company related to a member of staff at the ministry where the contract is to be executed.
” My department can not give contract to a company where for instance the minister is signatory to” he said.
When asked if he knew those behind Al-Duraq Investment Nig. Limited, he said he didn’t know until he got to the EFCC office and was shown a document from the bank with names of the defendants.
“The defendants ‘ companies were registered in 2021 while the contract was awarded to them 2022.
” Company registered within a year of the award may not have the capacity to handle a project.
” The company is not qualified ” he said.
He told the court that the Apron building and extension of Katsina Airport was valued at N800 million.
After his evidence, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN counsel for Sirika (first defendant) prayed the court for an adjournment to enable them cross examine the witness.
He further prayed the court for hearing of their motion seeking for leave to allow the first defendant travel abroad with his sick mother for medical reasons.
While Jacobs did not oppose to the adjournment, he however, prayed the court to allow him speak with the EFCC on the motion.
Justice Oriji adjourned until Nov. 21 to hear the motion and deliver ruling.
He further adjourned until Jan 23, 2025 for cross examination of PW5 and continuation of hearing. (NAN)
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested businessman Emeka Okonkwo, popularly known as E-Money, on Tuesday morning.
E-Money, who is the CEO of Emmy Cargoes Nigeria Limited and Five Star Music, was arrested in Lagos State for alleged abuse of the naira.
He is being held at the EFCC facility in Lagos, according to sources who confirmed his arrest to ELANZANEWS on Tuesday.
According to the source, E-Money is being investigated for allegedly spraying both Naira and US dollars at a party in Lagos in violation of Nigeria’s currency laws.
The Oyo State Police Command on Tuesday said that the video of the alleged invasion of the state by suspected Boko Haram currently circulating on social media was recycled.
The command’s spokesman, CSP Adewale Osifeso, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan, the state capital.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a video clip is currently being circulated on social media alleging the arrest of suspected Boko Haram members who invaded the state along the Ibadan Expressway.
“The Police Command in Oyo wishes to address the recent circulation of misleading information on social media regarding a video that purportedly shows an attempted invasion of the state by Boko Haram elements intercepted along the Ibadan Express road.
“The video, which allegedly depicts articulated trucks filled with motorcycles and weapons, has been verified as a recycled clip from 2022,” he said.
Osifeso said the re-emergence of the video, particularly during a period of enhanced security in the state, suggests a deliberate attempt by certain individuals with malicious intent, seeking to spread falsehoods and incite fear and unrest.
“The command urges the public to remain vigilant and disregard such antics; we assure that this does not pose any current threat to the safety and security of the state.
“To further substantiate our claim regarding the video’s outdated nature, we note that the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) at the Ilero Divisional Police Headquarters, DSP. Segun Adeyemo, who appeared briefly in the video, retired from the Nigeria Police Force in August 2024 after a long period of meritorious service,” he added.
Osifeso reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding all residents in the state.
He urged the public to avoid circulating outdated video content pertaining to issues that had been previously resolved and encouraged them to thoroughly verify any information before sharing on social media.
NAN
It was an evening of glamour, prestige, and fine living as the crème de la crème of society gathered for the Falcon Aero Jet Night, hosted in collaboration with Glenfiddich Grand Cru. The event, which took place amidst an atmosphere of refined luxury, marked the announcement of a major partnership: Glenfiddich Grand Cru is now the official in-flight spirit and drinks partner for Viva Jets, catering to both local and intercontinental long-haul flights.
The gathering attracted industry heavyweights, top executives, and celebrated Nigerian celebrities, all of whom came out in full support of the union between the two premium brands. Guests and business leaders at the event expressed strong optimism that the partnership would set new standards for luxury travel and sophisticated experiences, aligning with the shared values of excellence and class that both brands embody.
Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Eddie Madaki, the Glenfiddich Grand Cru representative, emphasized that the collaboration with Viva Jets is a testament to the brand’s commitment to offering memorable, world-class experiences. “This partnership with Aero Jet will continue to create unforgettable memories for our patrons. Glenfiddich Grand Cru stands for elegance, tradition, and innovation, and we are excited to bring this spirit of excellence to the skies,” he said.
A representative from Aero Jet also shared insights into their vision for the collaboration, highlighting the importance of selecting Glenfiddich Grand Cru as their official in-flight partner. According to the representative, the choice was driven by Glenfiddich’s reputation for quality and luxury, which perfectly complements the bespoke flying experience Aero Jet is renowned for providing to its discerning clientele.
Glenfiddich Grand Cru is a unique expression from the Glenfiddich distillery, renowned globally for its pioneering spirit and craftsmanship. Aged for 23 years and finished in rare French cuvée casks, Glenfiddich Grand Cru fuses the finest flavours from Scotland and France, delivering an extraordinary drinking experience designed to celebrate life’s most special moments. This latest partnership further cements Glenfiddich’s standing as a beacon of luxury and sophistication.
The Falcon Aero Jet Night was not just a celebration of a new venture, but a true testament to the power of vision, craftsmanship, and shared values, ushering in a new era of premium experiences in aviation and luxury lifestyle.