3ppleloaded 
A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika has told a Federal Capital Territory High Court how a chartered Ethiopian Airlines aircraft was used to fake the launch of Nigeria Air.
The plane, adorned with Nigeria Air livery, was displayed at Abuja airport for less than 72 hours (May 27‑29, 2023) before being flown back to Addis Ababa. Sirika faces an amended six‑count charge of abuse of office and misappropriation of over N2 billion, alongside his daughter, son‑in‑law, and a company.
Key Points:
Taxpayers may have lost over N2 billion to a project that never materialised.
The “launch” was a theatrical display timed to expire with the Buhari administration.
Ethiopian Airlines crew wore their own uniforms; local models posed in Nigeria Air gear.
Contract awards to a company linked to a friend of the former minister raise conflict of interest concerns.
A voice note allegedly shows Sirika instructing a permanent secretary to award contracts to that company.
The trial continues on June 17, 2026, with the prosecution set to play an audio exhibit.Thank you for reading our news today. Please kindly click the Read Original Button at the top to read more of the original content of this article. God bless you.
Sources: Daily Trust, EFCC trial proceedings
