The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has informed the FCT High Court that former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika allegedly orchestrated a deceptive display of Nigeria Air’s launch. During Wednesday’s proceedings, EFCC investigator Christopher Odofin testified that the aircraft unveiled in Abuja on May 27, 2023, was merely a chartered Ethiopian Airlines plane.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to evidence presented, the aircraft was brought in for a three-day static display—bearing Nigeria Air livery—to create the illusion of a successful project just before the end of the Buhari administration. Once the display concluded, the branding was removed, and the plane returned to Ethiopia. Sirika is currently standing trial alongside his daughter, his son-in-law, and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited for alleged misappropriation of over ₦2 billion and abuse of office. Additionally, the prosecution introduced evidence suggesting the former minister personally directed the awarding of a suspicious ₦599 million consultancy contract to a firm linked to his associate. The trial continues on June 17, 2026.

Option 2: Concise/Executive Summary

EFCC investigator Christopher Odofin has testified in the trial of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, alleging that the 2023 “Nigeria Air” launch was a staged event. Court documents revealed that the aircraft presented to the public was a chartered Ethiopian Airlines plane, used solely for a three-day display to falsely suggest the project was operational before Sirika left office.

The prosecution, which is charging Sirika with a ₦2 billion fraud, also presented evidence, including an intercepted voice note, suggesting the former minister improperly influenced the awarding of a ₦599 million consultancy contract to an associate’s firm. The case, involving Sirika and three other defendants, has been adjourned until June 17, 2026.

Option 3: Bulleted Highlights (Best for quick reading)

• The Allegation: EFCC investigator Christopher Odofin testified that the Nigeria Air aircraft showcased in Abuja on May 27, 2023, was a chartered Ethiopian Airlines plane, not a national carrier asset.

• Staged Display: The aircraft was branded with Nigeria Air livery for a temporary three-day stint, timed specifically to coincide with the end of Hadi Sirika’s tenure as Minister of Aviation.

• The Charges: Sirika is being prosecuted alongside his family members and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited for the alleged misappropriation of over ₦2 billion.

• Consultancy Scandal: Evidence, including an alleged voice note from the former minister, was introduced suggesting Sirika manipulated the process to award a ₦599 million consultancy contract to Tianaero Nigeria Limited, a firm linked to a close associate.

• Next Steps: Justice S.C. Oriji has admitted the evidence and adjourned the trial to June 17, 2026.

Former senator Iyabo Obasanjo, who represented Ogun Central, is preparing to rejoin the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shortly after resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Move to PDP: Sources close to the former president’s daughter confirmed she has informed key PDP associates of her decision to return to the party, with a focus on influencing the future governance of Ogun State.

• Upcoming Rally: There are finalized plans for a joint rally featuring Iyabo Obasanjo and former lawmaker Oladipupo Adebutu on June 16 at the PDP secretariat in Abeokuta, which will reportedly cover both senate and governorship campaign efforts.

• Background: Iyabo previously served as a senator elected on the PDP platform in 2007, where she chaired the Senate Committee on Health before losing her seat in 2011.

• Departure from APC: Her resignation from the APC occurred just two months after she failed to secure the party’s governorship ticket for the 2027 election.

• Reasons for Resignation: After joining the APC in February 2026, she suspended her governorship bid when the party chose Senator Solomon Adeola as a consensus candidate. She cited persistent disrespect from APC leadership, breached agreements, and the alleged mistreatment of her supporters during the consensus process as reasons for her departure.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has formally issued an arrest warrant for Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), following his repeated failure to appear before the panel. The committee is currently investigating 19 audit queries issued by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation regarding the NNPCL’s financial activities between 2017 and 2023, which include an alleged unaccounted sum of ₦210 trillion.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Disagreement Over the Arrest Warrant

The decision to issue the warrant followed a contentious debate among committee members:

• Calls for Lenience: Senators Saliu Mustapha and Tony Nwoye urged Chairman Ibrahim Dankwambo to grant Kyari additional time, citing reports that the former executive is currently receiving medical treatment in Germany.

• Opposition to Delays: Other senators, including Abdul Ningi and Victor Umeh, argued that these verbal excuses were insufficient without formal documentary evidence.

• Final Decision: Deputy Chairman Senator Peter Nwaebonyi characterized further delays as a “wild goose chase,” noting that this was the ninth committee meeting regarding these queries. Consequently, Chairman Dankwambo ordered that Kyari be arrested and brought before the committee to assist in concluding the assignment.

Defense Against Financial Allegations

Umar Ajiya Isa, a former Chief Financial Officer of the NNPCL, appeared before the committee to refute the allegations:

• Impossibility of the Figure: Isa asserted that the ₦210 trillion figure is impossible, noting that the NNPCL’s total revenue for the period 2017–2023 was approximately ₦54.5 trillion.

• Commitment to Transparency: He emphasized that the company had published audited accounts, a practice that had not been maintained for over 40 years prior to their tenure.

• Broader Impact: Isa warned that circulating unverified claims harms Nigeria’s international reputation, credit ratings, and national projects, specifically pointing to how past petitions disrupted financing for the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline.

The committee has directed Umar Ajiya Isa and Bala Wunti, the former Chief Upstream Investment Officer, to reappear in two weeks to continue the investigation.