Alleged N4.135b Fraud Case: Bail Granted to Sirika, Daughter, and Co-Accused

Introduction:
The recent development in the alleged N4.135b fraud case involving the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, his daughter Fatima, and others has taken a significant turn as Justice Sylvanus of a Federal Capital Territory High Court granted bail to the accused. This article delves into the details surrounding the case, the bail conditions set by the court, and the upcoming trial dates.

Bail Grant and Conditions:
Justice Sylvanus, presiding over the case, approved the bail applications of Hadi Sirika, his daughter Fatima, and the other defendants, setting the bail amount at N100m for each of them. The court further mandated that the accused persons must provide two sureties each to secure their bail. Failure to meet these conditions would result in their remand in prison until further proceedings.

Legal Proceedings:
The prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, apprised the court of an amended charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), filed on May 8, which was unopposed by the defendants’ counsel. Following the plea of not guilty entered by the accused, Jacobs urged the court for expeditious handling of the case. The defense counsels also presented bail applications on behalf of their clients, emphasizing the need for leniency in the bail terms.

Bail Ruling and Restrictions:
In a pivotal decision, Justice Oriji granted bail to each defendant in the sum of N100m, subject to the condition that the sureties possess landed property within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with valid land titles. Additionally, the sureties are required to depose to an affidavit of means, affirming their financial capacity. The court’s ruling also includes a prohibition on the defendants from traveling abroad without prior approval.

Upcoming Trial Dates:
With the bail arrangements concluded, the trial dates have been scheduled for June 10, 11, and 20. The EFCC initiated legal action against Hadi Sirika, his daughter Fatima, his son-in-law Jalal Sule Hamma, and Al-Duraq Investment Limited on charges related to fraud and abuse of office. All defendants maintain their innocence and pleaded not guilty to the six-count amended charge amounting to N4.135b.

Conclusion:
As the legal proceedings progress, the granting of bail to Hadi Sirika, his daughter, and co-accused marks a significant milestone in the ongoing saga of the alleged N4.135b fraud case. The stipulated bail conditions and upcoming trial dates underscore the gravity of the charges and the necessity for a thorough examination of the facts. Stay tuned for further updates as the case unfolds in the coming weeks.