{
  "id": 14482710,
  "title": "Sirika imposed German friend on ministry for Air Nigeria contract – EFCC witness",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/sirika-imposed-german-friend-on-ministry-for-air-nigeria-contract",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T15:28:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/14/sirika-imposed-german-friend-on-ministry-for-air-nigeria-contract-efcc-witness/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "During the ongoing trial of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, an EFCC witness testified that Sirika allegedly pressured ministry officials into accepting his German associate for a contract associated with the proposed Air Nigeria project. Christopher Odofin, the 12th prosecution witness, made the claim in the trial against Sirika, who is also accused of fraud involving a N2.8 billion aviation contract. The case also involves Sirika's daughter Fatima, son-in-law Hamma Jalal Sule, and a company called Al Buraq Global Investment Limited. When questioned by Sirika's lawyer, Kanu Agabi, SAN, about the German man's qualifications for the contract, Odofin stated that the individual was imposed by Sirika on the ministry. The EFCC witness added that the German man was not in Nigeria during the investigation, making it impossible to conduct an inquiry. Sirika's lawyer requested permission to continue the cross-examination on Thursday, which was granted by Justice Sylvanus Oriji. The trial is currently ongoing.",
  "summary": "An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness has told an Abuja High Court that former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika allegedly forced ministry officials to accept his German friend for a contract linked to the proposed Air Nigeria project. Christopher Odofin, the 12th prosecution witness, made the claim during the ongoing trial of Sirika over […] Sirika imposed German friend on…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Premium Times",
        "title": "How ex-minister Hadi Sirika secured ‘Nigeria Air’ contract for his friend – Witness",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/how-ex-minister-hadi-sirika-secured-nigeria-air-contract-for-his",
        "published": "2026-10-14T15:22:23.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}