An investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that the aircraft presented during the unveiling of Nigeria Air in May 2023 was chartered from Ethiopian Airlines and returned after a brief display period.
The testimony was given on Wednesday by Christopher Odofin, the 12th prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika before Justice Sylvanus Oriji.
Sirika is facing a six-count amended charge filed by the EFCC over allegations of abuse of office and the misappropriation of more than ₦2 billion. Also standing trial are his daughter, Fatima Sirika; his son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule; and their company, Al Buraq Global Investment Limited.
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While presenting evidence before the court, Odofin said documents obtained from Ethiopian Airlines revealed that the aircraft used for the Nigeria Air unveiling was provided under a charter agreement for a temporary display in Abuja.
According to the witness, the agreement stipulated that the aircraft would depart Addis Ababa on May 26, 2023, arrive in Abuja on May 27, remain on static display bearing Nigeria Air livery until May 28, and return to Ethiopia on May 29, 2023.
He further told the court that the aircraft was operated by Ethiopian Airlines crew members wearing the airline’s uniforms, while local models dressed in Nigeria Air uniforms were expected to participate in ceremonial photographs.
Odofin testified that investigators found the arrangement coincided with the final days of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the end of Sirika’s tenure as aviation minister.
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The EFCC witness added that the charter agreement was executed on May 24, 2023, and that the aircraft remained in Abuja for less than 72 hours before the Nigeria Air branding was removed and the plane returned to Addis Ababa.
He also informed the court that the anti-graft agency obtained relevant documents from Ethiopian Airlines through a response to an information request sent shortly after the unveiling.
During the proceedings, the prosecution tendered several documentary and electronic exhibits, including a compact disc said to contain a voice recording linked to Sirika. The court admitted the exhibits without objection from defence counsel.
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The prosecution subsequently requested permission for the voice recording to be played at the next hearing, and the court adjourned the matter for continuation of trial proceedings.
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