A Director at the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, Isaiah Yesufu, on Monday testified before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.
Sirika, his brother Ahmad Sirika, and two companies are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over alleged abuse of office and contract fraud related to the construction of the terminal building at Katsina Airport.
The EFCC alleged that the former minister unlawfully awarded contracts amounting to N19.4 billion to companies linked to his younger brother, thereby conferring an unfair advantage and breaching procurement regulations.
Yesufu, who testified as the third prosecution witness, told the court that the BPP was unaware that the original contract had been split into two separate awards—one for Enginos Nigeria Limited and the other for Al-Buraq Construction.
He explained that under procurement laws, all bidding companies are expected to declare any relationship with officials of the procuring entity, as such connections constitute a conflict of interest.
The witness further stated that the Ministry of Aviation had sought approval to adopt a restricted tendering method for the project due to time constraints, and that five companies were cleared, including Enginos Nigeria Limited.
Yesufu noted that while BPP approved the list of selected contractors, it was not informed that the project titled “Construction of Katsina Airport Terminal Building and Apron” was eventually divided and awarded as two separate contracts.
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He said he only became aware of the contract split during an EFCC investigation when he was invited to provide a statement.
EFCC alleged that Enginos Nigeria Limited, owned by Ahmad Sirika, was awarded a contract worth N1,345,586,500 for the terminal building, while another contract for a Fire Truck Maintenance Centre was given for N3,811,497,685.
It was also alleged that Ahmad and Enginos Nigeria Limited held N2.3 billion in funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful conduct linked to the former minister.
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the 10-count charge bordering on abuse of office, criminal breach of trust, and use of position for gratification.
After Yesufu’s testimony, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), requested an adjournment to organise documents, a request unopposed by the defence.
Justice Suleiman Belgore adjourned the matter until April 8 for continuation of Yesufu’s evidence.
Crediblenewsng.com
