By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday played an alleged voice recording of former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, during his trial over an alleged N2.8 billion aviation contract fraud. The recording, presented through a Compact Disc (CD), formed part of the prosecution’s evidence as Justice Sylvanus Oriji continued hearing the case. The EFCC said the audio allegedly captured Sirika directing officials to award a consultancy contract to a company owned by his associate.
EFCC Tenders Voice Recording as Evidence
The anti-graft agency presented the CD after technical issues prevented its playback during an earlier court session.
EFCC’s 12th prosecution witness, Christopher Odofin, identified the voice in the recording as Sirika’s. The defence did not challenge the identity of the voice during the proceedings.
The prosecution said the recording related to one of the six charges filed against the former minister over the alleged contract fraud.
Audio Alleges Contract Directive
In the recording played before the court, Sirika allegedly instructed the former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Abel Enitan, to facilitate a consultancy contract for a company linked to his friend.
According to the recording, Sirika allegedly said:
“Do the right thing. Generate the necessary contract and give it to his company. In that way, we can be paying for his services.”
Odofin told the court that the company mentioned in the conversation was Tanaero Nigeria Limited (TNL).
He identified the company’s owner as Gabriel Tilmann, whom he described as Sirika’s friend.
EFCC Explains Relationship with Tilmann
The witness testified that Sirika described Tilmann as a trained captain and experienced aviation manager.
According to Odofin, the former minister praised Tilmann for helping to establish several airlines globally, including Qatar Airways, which he allegedly described as one of the world’s best airlines.
Another part of the recording allegedly stated:
“Whatever we can get, he’s quite resourceful and very energetic… So he has what it takes.”
The recording also suggested that Tilmann enjoyed a close relationship with the Ministry of Aviation because of Sirika.
It allegedly stated:
“I mean, because of me, he feels very comfortable with the ministry.”
Defence Challenges Prosecution’s Questions
During the proceedings, counsel for Al Buraq Investment Limited, Michael Numa, objected to the prosecution’s line of questioning.
He argued that the questions invited speculation and lacked proper legal foundation.
Justice Oriji directed the defence to reserve its objections for cross-examination.
Numa also argued that the prosecution’s approach appeared intended to attract media attention rather than establish facts.
However, the judge advised the defence not to focus on media reports.
Instead, he urged counsel to concentrate on their legal responsibilities and maintain a clear conscience throughout the trial.
Court Adjourns Hearing
Following the playback, defence lawyers Michael Numa and Sanusi Mohammed reserved their objections to the admissibility of both the CD and its contents until their final written addresses.
Justice Oriji subsequently adjourned the case until Thursday for the continuation of the trial.
The EFCC is prosecuting Sirika on six counts bordering on alleged corruption connected to the N2.8 billion aviation contract.
