The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, over an alleged contract fraud.

He was arraigned before Justice Suleman Belgore of the FCT High Court sitting in Garki, Abuja, on Thursday, May 23.

He was arraigned alongside his brother, Ahmad Abubakar Sirika; and Enginos Nigeria Limited, a company owned by Abubakar, on a 10-count amended charge dated May 13 and filed on May 14, 2024.

Sirika is alleged to have abused his office by awarding contracts worth N19.4 billion to Enginos Nigeria Limited.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the counts and Belgore granted them bail in the sum of N100 million each.

Also, the judge said sureties to the defendants must own landed properties worth N100 million in Abuja. Adding that Sirika and his brother are barred from overseas travels without the court’s permission.