Connect with us

Published

on

banner

Ex- BPP Director testifies against former Minister over alleged N2.7bn contract fraud

An EFCC witness, told an Abuja high court that Al-Duraq Investment Limited which was registered in 2021 got the contract for the construction of the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport in 2022.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

”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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

”Company registered within a year of the award may not have the capacity to handle a project.

”The company is not qualified ” he said.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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)

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading
Advertisement

News

Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident

Published

on

banner

Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident

Eight persons died while three others were injured in a road traffic crash along the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka carriageway in Yobe.

Advertisement

The Yobe Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Andrew Longkam, confirmed the incident on Thursday.

He said the crash occurred around Gaggaba on the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka axis at about 12:40 hours.

Advertisement

“Preliminary reports from Dogon Kuka Unit Command show the incident was promptly reported to the corps,” Longkam said.

FRSC operatives arrived within five minutes, enabling swift rescue, evacuation of victims, traffic control, road clearance and prevention of secondary crashes.

Advertisement

The crash involved a white Howo trailer, registration DAL 963YY, and a white Mitsubishi Canter, registration NNR 437XA.

“Twelve adult males were involved, with eight fatalities and four rescued, including three injured and one unhurt,” he said.

Advertisement

The injured and deceased were taken to Government General Hospital, Dogon Kuka, where the injured received prompt medical attention.

Longkam said the FRSC tow truck cleared the obstruction, restored traffic flow and notified the Police Motor Traffic Division in Dogon Kuka.

Advertisement

“Preliminary findings indicate the Mitsubishi Canter, suspected to excessive speeding, committed a route violation and crashed into the trailer,” he said.

He said excessive speed and route violation were suspected causes, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.

Advertisement

The sector commander urged motorists to avoid speeding, route violations and unsafe practices, assuring continued enforcement, emergency response and public education across the state. (NAN)

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading

News

Reaction as Atiku’s Son defects to APC, backs President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027

Published

on

banner

Reaction as Atiku’s Son defects to APC, backs President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has addressed his son Abba Abubakar’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a personal choice.

Advertisement

In a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku said, “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”

He added, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”

Advertisement

The former vice president also highlighted his concerns about the ruling party, saying, “What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.”

“ I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.”

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading

News

JUST IN; Oyo Governor, Makinde names Olubadan as Chairman Oyo Council of Obas

Published

on

banner

JUST IN; Oyo Governor, Makinde names Olubadan as Chairman Oyo Council of Obas

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, declaring that the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, will be heading the council for a period of 2 years.

Advertisement

The declaration follows the passing of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the state House of Assembly, and the signing of the same into law by the governor.

Recall that the lawmakers had amended Clause 5 of Section 28 of the Chieftaincy Law to make the Council chairmanship rotational among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Soun of Ogbomoso, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Advertisement

While inaugurating the Council, Governor Makinde said he had consulted with the trio of the Alaafin, the Olubadan and the Soun, with the three of them reaching a consensus that the chairmanship should start with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading

Trending

© 2025, All Rights Reserved | Crime Channels