An EFCC witness, Musa Odiniya, told the Abuja High Court that Al-Duraq Investment Limited, registered in 2021, got the contract for the construction of the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport in 2022.
Mr Odiniya, a former director of procurement at the Bureau of 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 Mr Sirika, his daughter, Fatima, Jalal Sule Hamma and Al-Duraq Investment Nigeria Limited to court for abuse of office and contract fraud.
They are standing trial before Justice Sylvanus Oriji on six counts.
The minister, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was accused of abusing his office as a minister by awarding contracts to a company in which his daughter and her husband had an interest.
According to the prosecution, the offences committed by the former minister and others were contrary to sections 12 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and section 17 (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.
Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), the witness said every firm bidding for a 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 contracts 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’s office and was shown a document from the bank with the defendants’ names.
“The defendants‘ companies were registered in 2021, while the contract was awarded to them in 2022.
” Company registered within a year of the award may not have the capacity to handle a project. The company is not qualified,” the witness said.
He told the court that the Apron building and extension of Katsina Airport were valued at N800 million.
After his evidence, Kanu Agabi (SAN), counsel for Mr Sirika (first defendant), prayed the court for an adjournment to enable them to cross-examine the witness.
He further prayed the court for the hearing of their motion seeking leave to allow the first defendant to travel abroad with his sick mother for medical reasons.
While Mr Jacobs did not oppose the adjournment, he prayed the court to allow him to speak with the EFCC on the motion.
Justice Oriji adjourned until November 21 to hear the motion and deliver a ruling.
He further adjourned until January 23, 2025, for cross-examination of PW5 and continuation of the hearing.
(NAN)
