Former Minister On Trial Over Multi-billion Naira Fraud Appointed Traditional Ruler

Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika,

Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, who is facing trial over alleged multi-billion Naira fraud has been appointed a traditional ruler by the Katsina Emirate Council, in Katsina State.

The ex- minister's appointment was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Katsina emirate, Bello Ifo, on Saturday

The council appointed Sirika, who is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over multi-billion naira fraud, as the Marusan Katsina or District Head of Shargalle in Dutsi Local Government Area.

Sirika, served as minister in the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, and was investigated by the EFCC after leaving office in 2023, and thereafter, charged before two separate courts over the alleged humongous fraud.

In the first case, Sirika was charged alongside his daughter, Fatima Sirika and her husband, Jalal Hamma as well as the couple's firm, Al Buraq Global Investment.

over alleged N2.8 billion contract fraud. 

Furthermore, Sirika is facing trial for using his power to confer an unfair advantage on Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, the company linked to his daughter and her husband.

This allegedly involved a N1.5 billion contract for the Katsina Airport apron extension.

The EFCC said the act violates Section 12 of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Act.

In the other case, Mr Sirika is charged alongside his brother and two companies with abuse of office and contract fraud, allegedly involving N19.4 billion.

All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Meanwhile, the emirate also appointed Governor Dikko Radda’s son, Umar, as the ‘Gwagwaren Katsina’, or district head of Radda in the Charanchi Local Government Area. 

Other district heads announced include Sanusi Kabir-Usman as Karshin Katsina, district head of Shinkafi in the Kaita LGA, 

Ahmad Abdulmumini-Kabir- Dan-majen Katsina or district head of Dankama, in the Kaita LGA.

Others include Abubakar Dardisu, Sarkin Mudurun Katsina, district head of Muduru, in Mani Local Government Area and Gambo Abdullahi, Dausayin Katsina, District Head of Dabai, Danja Local Government Area.

The statement said their appointments took effect from Saturday.

The roles are of the new traditional rulers are mainly ceremonial and have no constitutional executive responsibilities. However, Mr Sirika’s appointment, while being prosecuted for fraud, raises questions about the ethical considerations given to such appointments in a country where over 40 per cent of the 200 million-plus population lives in poverty.