11th June, 2026 | News

EFCC Witness Alleges Sirika Used Ethiopian Airlines Aircraft as Nigeria Air Showcase

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 as Nigeria Air shortly before the end of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The testimony was delivered on Wednesday by the 12th prosecution witness in the trial before Justice S.C. Oriji. According to the witness, the aircraft, painted in Nigeria Air livery, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on May 27, 2023, just three days before the end of the Buhari administration.

The witness, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stated that the aircraft was chartered from Ethiopian Airlines solely for a temporary display. Court documents revealed that the plane departed Addis Ababa on May 26, arrived in Abuja on May 27, remained on static display until May 28, and returned to Ethiopia on May 29, 2023.

According to the prosecution, the arrangement was designed to create the impression that the long-promised Nigeria Air project had become a reality before Sirika left office. The witness alleged that after the brief display period, the Nigeria Air branding was removed and the aircraft was returned to Ethiopian Airlines.

The EFCC further informed the court that investigations showed Ethiopian Airlines entered into a charter agreement specifically for the three-day display. The agreement reportedly included provisions allowing Nigerian models dressed in Nigeria Air uniforms to participate in ceremonial photographs alongside the aircraft.

Sirika is currently facing trial on six amended charges filed by the EFCC, including allegations of abuse of office and the misappropriation of more than ₦2 billion in public funds. He is being tried alongside his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika, his son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule, and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited.

The prosecution also alleged irregularities surrounding contracts awarded for the establishment of Nigeria Air. According to the witness, a contract worth over ₦299 million awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited in April 2022 was later extended to more than ₦599 million. Investigators claimed evidence obtained from the phone of a former Permanent Secretary in the ministry suggested Sirika directed that the contract be awarded to the company due to his relationship with its principal.

Among the exhibits presented before the court was a compact disc containing a voice note allegedly linked to Sirika. Prosecutors have requested that the recording be played during the next hearing.

Justice Oriji subsequently adjourned the case until June 17, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.