A prosecution witness has informed a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika allegedly used an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft to stage the launch of the Nigeria Air project. The testimony was delivered during the ongoing trial involving Sirika and other defendants before Justice S.C. Oriji, as detailed in a statement issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday.
The witness, an investigator with the EFCC, stated that the aircraft was temporarily repainted and displayed in Nigeria Air livery to create the impression that the national carrier had been officially launched. According to the prosecution, the aircraft used for the unveiling did not belong to the Nigerian government or the proposed national carrier. Instead, it was operated by Ethiopian Airlines under a short-term charter arrangement.
EFCC investigator Christopher Odofin provided specific details on how the aircraft was brought into Nigeria and utilized for the unveiling event. He further told the court that the aircraft was returned to Ethiopia after approximately two days, following the conclusion of the unveiling activities. The testimony indicated that the arrangement included ceremonial elements such as photo sessions and coordinated branding to support the public presentation of Nigeria Air as operational.
Investigations presented in court suggested that the aircraft used for the unveiling remained under full ownership and operational control of Ethiopian Airlines throughout its time in Nigeria. The EFCC witness also noted that documentation reviewed by investigators showed the agreement for the aircraft display was signed just days before the end of Sirika’s tenure as minister. Once the aircraft returned to Addis Ababa, the Nigeria Air branding was removed.
The EFCC continues to prosecute Sirika alongside his daughter, son-in-law, and other entities on amended charges involving alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds exceeding N2 billion. The trial remains ongoing, with further evidence expected to be examined in subsequent hearings. The Nigeria Air project was introduced under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as an effort to revive the defunct Nigerian Airways and establish a new national carrier, though it has since been surrounded by multiple controversies and policy shifts.
In related developments, analysts tracking Nigeria’s Food Beverage sector have noted ongoing regulatory challenges. Meanwhile, discussions around the Uk Work Visa process continue to draw attention from Nigerian professionals seeking opportunities abroad. The Imf Urges Nigeria to implement further fiscal reforms as the Naira Settles N1,361/$ in recent trading sessions, reflecting persistent currency volatility. These economic factors remain key topics among policymakers and investors alike.
