EFCC, NJI seek legal reforms in prosecuting corruption cases

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) are seeking legal reforms aimed at improving the prosecution of corruption cases in Nigeria. This comes amid ongoing trials involving former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika and several associates, who are accused of awarding questionable contracts to family members and friends during their time in office. In a court hearing in Abuja, Christopher Odofin, a detective with the EFCC and a prosecution witness in Sirika's case, detailed how contracts were awarded to Sirika's relatives and associates. He mentioned that these awards included breaches of approval thresholds set by the former minister. During cross-examination, Odofin presented documents showing that Sirika had approved the award of a contract to his associate beyond the allowed limit. The EFCC is charging Sirika along with his daughter Fatima Sirika, her husband Jalal Hamma, and their firm, Al Buraq Global Investment, over allegations that they received benefits through the illegal award of contracts. These include a N1.5 billion contract for the apron extension at Katsina Airport and a N1.3 billion consultancy contract for the Nigerian Air national carrier start-up. Odofin noted that while there was no direct evidence linking Sirika to the Air Nigeria consultancy services contract, the award followed his recommendation. The contract was signed by Musa Odiniya, the Director of Procurement, despite Sirika not being part of the Ministerial Tenders Board. During the hearing, Odofin also highlighted that Al Buraq was imposed on the tender board to be selected as a contractor, despite not meeting the required criteria. He added that the former minister's influence led to the selection of Al Buraq, even though the process lacked transparency. Sirika and his co-defendants have denied all charges against them. The trial continues as the EFCC seeks legal reforms to enhance its ability to prosecute such cases effectively.