Jun 10, 2026

EFCC Witness Exposes How Sirika Used Ethiopian Plane as Nigeria Air Decoy

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, June 10, 2026 — In a dramatic court revelation that has reignited public anger over one of Nigeria’s most controversial aviation promises, a key prosecution witness has detailed how former Aviation Minister Hadi Abubakar Sirika allegedly staged a fleeting display of a foreign aircraft to create the illusion that the long-awaited national carrier, Nigeria Air, had finally taken off.

Testifying as the 12th Prosecution Witness (PW12) on Wednesday, EFCC investigator Christopher Odofin told Justice S.C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja how an Ethiopian Airlines plane was repainted with Nigeria Air livery, flown into Abuja on May 27, 2023—just days before the end of the Buhari administration—and quickly flown out after the May 29 handover.

The Alleged Deception

According to the witness, the aircraft was positioned for a ceremonial static display at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Local models in Nigeria Air uniforms were reportedly brought in to pose for photographs, while Ethiopian crew operated the flight in their own uniforms.

The elaborate setup, detailed in a charter agreement with Ethiopian Airlines, was carefully timed to coincide with the expiration of Sirika’s tenure.

Odofin read from the contract, noting the aircraft was to arrive late on May 26, remain on display until May 28, and depart early on May 29.

After the brief spectacle, the Nigeria Air branding was removed, and the plane returned to Addis Ababa.

The witness further revealed that the charter was arranged for just three days of static display, even though the broader contract for establishing Nigeria Air had been awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited — a company linked to Sirika’s associate Gabriel Tilmann — for sums exceeding N599 million after an initial N299 million award.

The Charges and Family Ties

Sirika, alongside his daughter Fatima Hadi Sirika, son-in-law Hamma Jalal Sule, and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, faces amended six-count charges bordering on abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of over N2 billion.

The court heard how investigations uncovered a voice note from Sirika instructing a Permanent Secretary to ensure the contract went to Tianaero, highlighting alleged cronyism.

Several documents, including a compact disc with the voice note (Exhibit 37), were admitted in evidence without objection.

Public Reaction and Next Steps

The testimony has drawn sharp reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing outrage at what they see as a brazen national deception. Calls for swift justice and broader accountability for officials from the previous administration have intensified.

Justice Oriji adjourned the matter to June 17, 2026, for continuation of the trial, with plans to play the voice note evidence at the next sitting.

This case continues to symbolise deeper frustrations over unfulfilled promises, alleged grand corruption in high places, and the human cost of aviation projects that never materialised — while ordinary Nigerians continue to grapple with high travel costs and unreliable air services.

The EFCC maintains it will pursue full accountability, reinforcing its commitment to tackling high-profile financial crimes regardless of the individuals involved.