BPP director testifies against former aviation minister Sirika in trial over alleged N2.7 billion contract fraud

A director of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Isaiah Yusuf, on Tuesday testified against former aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, in his trial for alleged N2.7 billion fraud at a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja.

Yusuf, who testified as the fourth prosecution witness, said the former minister’s company was not among the five firms listed as bidders for the Katsina Airport Apron Extension contract.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Eradication Commission (KPK) charged Sirika along with her daughter, Fatima; Jalal Sule Hamma, and Al-Duraq Investment Limited on six counts of abuse of office and contract fraud.

The commission accused the former minister of abusing his office by awarding contracts to a company involving his daughter and husband.

According to the KPPU, the violation is contrary to Article 12 and 19 of the Law on Corruption and Other Related Crimes of 2000, Article 17 letter b of the Law on the Commission for the Eradication of Economic and Financial Crimes (Establishment) of 2004.

The witness, led by the prosecution’s counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, said: “On March 16, 2022, a letter was received from the Ministry of Aviation requesting a ‘no objection’ letter to enable the ministry to award the contract with limited publicity.

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“The contract is under Rp1.5 billion, which can be approved by the minister’s tender board.

“If the amount is above Rp1.5 billion, the BPP will issue a ‘no objection certificate’ which allows the ministry or agency’s request to be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.

“If it has been approved, it will be returned to the ministry or agency that submitted the application.

“The Ministry of Transportation has written two letters to BPP dated May 16 and May 17 requesting a ‘legal process without objection’ for advertising restrictions for bidders.

“The ministry brought the names of five selected companies for the construction of the terminal and expansion of the Katsina Airport.

“BPP approved five registered companies for the contract worth N800 million but Al-Duraq Global Investment Limited and Apron Expansion were not on the list.”

Judge Oriji adjourned the case until July 5 for cross-examination of witnesses.

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