A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika has told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that an aircraft belonging to Ethiopian Airlines was allegedly presented to the public as Nigeria Air shortly before the end of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The witness, who is the 12th prosecution witness and an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), testified before Justice S.C. Oriji yesterday.
According to the EFCC, the aircraft, painted in Nigeria Air colours, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on May 27, 2023 just three days before the Buhari administration ended.
The investigator explained that the aircraft remained on display at the airport for less than 72 hours before departing for Addis Ababa on May 29, 2023, the day power was officially transferred to a new government.
Sirika is currently facing a six-count amended charge alongside his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika, his son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule, and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited.
The charges involve alleged abuse of office and the misappropriation of more than ₦2 billion in public funds.
During his testimony, the witness referred to documents obtained during the investigation, including a charter agreement involving Ethiopian Airlines.
He stated that the aircraft was specifically scheduled to arrive in Abuja on May 27, remain on static display with Nigeria Air branding until May 28, and return to Ethiopia on May 29.
The agreement also reportedly showed that Ethiopian Airlines personnel would operate the flight, while local models dressed in Nigeria Air uniforms could participate in ceremonial photographs.
The witness alleged that the arrangement was designed to coincide with the end of Sirika’s tenure as aviation minister and create the impression that the long-promised national carrier had become a reality.
According to the EFCC, after the display period ended, the Nigeria Air branding was removed and the aircraft returned to Ethiopian Airlines. Investigators also reportedly established that the charter agreement was signed on May 24, 2023—just days before the end of Sirika’s tenure—and was intended solely for the temporary display of the Nigeria Air livery.
The court also heard that all documents presented by the prosecution were properly authorised and submitted with the necessary certification. None of the defence lawyers objected to their admission as evidence.
Among the exhibits tendered was a compact disc containing a voice note allegedly sent by Sirika. The prosecution has requested that the recording be played during the next hearing.
The witness further testified that a contract for the establishment of Nigeria Air was awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited for more than ₦299 million in April 2022.
He alleged that the contract was later extended in October 2022, increasing its value to over ₦599 million, based on directives from Sirika.
According to the investigator, analysis of the mobile phone of a former permanent secretary in the ministry revealed a voice message allegedly sent by Sirika from Spain, instructing that the contract be awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited.
Following the proceedings, Justice Oriji adjourned the case until June 17, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.
